THE DECLINE OF DRUNKENNESS.

Globe, Volume XXIII, Issue 2152, 18 January 1881, Page 3

THE DECLINE OF DRUNKENNESS.

The convictions for drunkenness in the colony in the year 1878 reached the formidable total of 5353, or one conviction to every 81 of the population. There is no record of the cases in which the same offenders were more than once convicted within the year, and of course a largo allowance ought to be made accordingly ; though for the purpose of our comparison it does not materially matter, In 1879 the number of convictions was 4888. showing a large falling off. This gives a proportion to the estimated population at the end of the year of one conviction to 95. Stated in a different way there is a decrease of convictions on the former year of 8.6 per cent. The decline of drunkenness as shown by these figures is greater than the decrease of crime. In 1878 the number of persons charged with criminal offences was 22,237, or one person to every 19 of the population. In 1879 the number charged was 22,492, or one person to 20 of the population. The decline of drunkenness has been more or less marked for several years. What is the cause P We think (says the “ Wanganui Gerald ”) if the statistics were so arranged it would be found that the cause is simply the yearly increase of persons born in the colony to those arriving in it from other countries. There can hardly bo a doubt that the young colonial has not the same taste for intoxicating liquors as those who bring their habits with them from “ over the sea.” Whatever the true cause may be, it is gratifying to find that this curse on our civilization is diminishing. We cannot venture to hope that the diminution will continue to proceed in the same ratio that it has done in 1879, but if we can only continue to show some advance each year we may rest satisfied in the assurance that, as Germany has wiped out the stigma resting upon her at the beginning of the present century, so New Zealand will be able, before even the end of the present century, to say that drunkenness as a prevalent national vice has become a thing of the past.