PROHIBITION OF THE LIQUOR TRAFFIC

Hawke's Bay Times, Volume 8, Issue 402, 13 August 1866, Page 1

PROHIBITION OF THE LIQUOR TRAFFIC

(Prom.the Hawke’s Bay Times, 2Gth July.) A movement, having for its object the legislative prohibition of the traffic in intoxicating or alcoholic liquors, has recently been originated in the neighboring Province of Auckland, and warmly taken up by the temperance public of Canterbury, upon the basis of the declaration of the United Kingdom Alliance, which has made so much progress in the old country. It is intended to constitute the movement so that, while it shall be of a decided colonial nature, it can be adopted by all the provinces individually, having for (say) the first two years Auckland as its centre of operations. These for the present will consist of uniform motions to be submitted to Provincial Councils, uniform resolutions for town meetings, ministerial and medical declarations, forms of petitions for signatures of members of churches, &c.; declaration for electoral canvas, and the preparation of a Bill (or suggestions for a Bill) to be brought before the General Assembly, or Provincial Councils. A paid agent is also suggested, for the purpose of visiting the different Provinces, organising auxiliary and electoral committees, and otherwise taking measures for the establishment of the League. The secretaries of all the Temperance Societies throughout New Zealand have been communicated with, and solicited to co-operate in organising the League. It is by no means intended to confine the membership of the League to total abstainers from alcoholic liquors. It will embrace all who, seeing the evils entailed upon society by the liquor traffic, are willing to cooperate for their cure; and, indeed, all who are favorable to that principle of selfgovernment for each locality, which would place in the hands of the people the decision of the question,—Whether public-houses shall be established amongst them or not ? The following is the declaration above alluded to, signing which, and forwarding it to the central committee—together with a contribution towards the funds—will constitute any person a member of the New Zealand League. DECLARATION. That it is neither right nor politic for the State to afford legal protection and sanction to any traffic or system that tends to increase crime, to waste the national resources, to corrupt the social habits, and to destroy the health and lives of the people. That the traffic in intoxicating liquors, as common beverages, is inimical to the true interests of individuals, and destructive of the order and welfare of society, and ought therefore to be prohibited. That the history and results of past I'gislation in regard to the liquor traffic abundantly prove that it is impossible satisfactorily to limit a system so essentially mischievous in its tendencies. That no consideration of private gain or public revenue cau justify the upholding of a system so utterly wrong in principle, suicidal in policy, and disastrous in results as the traffic in intoxicating liquor.

That the legislative prohibits Jr£the liquor traffic is perfectly compatible with national liberty, aud with all the claims of justice aud legitimate commerce. That the legislative suppression of the liquor traffic would be highly conducive to the development of a progressive civilisation. That rising above class, sectarian, or party considerations, all good citizens should combine to procure an enactment for prohibiting the sale of intoxicating beverages, as affording most efficient aid in removing the appalling evil of intemperance. The League bases its proceedings on broad and catholic grounds, and at all times recognises its ultimate dependence for success on the good blessing of Auiiguixy God.