PROHICITION AND NATIONAL EFFICIENCY,

Hokitika Guardian, 10 September 1918, Page 3

PROHICITION AND NATIONAL EFFICIENCY,

i ■ DR ANSON'S SUGGESTIONS. . STATE PURCHASE ANI) OWNERSHIP. (Reprinted from the “Dominion,” August 27th., 1918.) ! “Dr. Anson, of Wellington, ! wrote under this heading to the “Do- : minion” newspaper a very suggestive and able letter on the use and misuse of alcoholic liquor and finally dealt with the Efficiency Board’s proposal and the Prohibitionist’s demands. In the course of that letter Dr Anson said: “If we are asked to impose on our country a system of permanent exclusion of all alcoholic liquor, we should think twice before giving our consent. . . . It seems to be too often forgotten that one of the highest and noblest functions of rulers is to protectminorities. In democracies majorities arc the rulers and the protection of minorities is just as much incumbent on them as on other rulers. . . . Abuse of alcohol undoubtedly is disastrous to all; but the average unbiased man knows well that a vast number of good citizens exist- wbo use alcohol moderately, and with probably benefit to themselves and no detriment- to others. It, is certainly false to assert that a moderate use of light wine or light boor is in any way detrimental to the user or to others. The large majority of medical men bear this out. Is it therefore right to deprive a very large part of the nation of what- is a legitimate and harmless luxury because a few are so depraved that they cannot use it in moderation? . . . Finally, would it not be infinitely better if we were to concentrate our energies on a course which would gain the consent, as T believe of a very large majority of the citizens, namely, the purchase of the liquor trade by the fttate? If the Prohibitionists refuse all compromise and insist on forcing 'their measures on a largely unwilling and unprepared community I believe that their action will retard the cause of true Temperance for a generation.” What all electors who hold Dr Anson’s news should do is to sign the National Council’s (Petition for the three issues—National Contiuoncc. 'National Ownership and National Prohibition. for Patriotism } Freedom and Democracy.*