The Guardian And Evening Star, with which is incorporated the West Coast Times. SATURDAY MARCH 2, 1929 NO HALF-WAY HOUSE!

Hokitika Guardian, 2 March 1929, Page 4

The Guardian And Evening Star, with which is incorporated the West Coast Times. SATURDAY MARCH 2, 1929 NO HALF-WAY HOUSE!

hie Methodist Conference, we are informed by the press telegrams, reaffirmed its unfailing conviction thac tne O-N'LY solution of the liquor question is prohibition. That is, of course, “a bald and unconvincing” statement to the average reader who in his moderation naturally gives something more than passing attention to the great social question affecting the contiol of liquor. One would have thought that having the decision of the people so lately expressed in mind, the Conlerciice might have pursued a more searching investigation of the question to see what alternative there was to total prohibition as a means to ensure s..nie measure at least of social reform. '1 Ik pr.hibition issue was settled very ,1 idly by the vote of the people, who had the opportunity of studying the question over many years now. I’foaahly the most deciding factor in the minds of the people in resolving not lo favour prohibition, is the very experience of the United States where prohibition is in force. The accounts received from that quarter from time lo time are alarming, and though the reports may be discounted by some who view the issue from a different angle to the moderate man, the bulk of the evidence is very overwhelming to the xiany. The loss and intrigue going on in the attempt to enforce prohibition is really a. minor aspect, to the shocking depravity, both moral and physical. which the enforcement of prohibition does not exist in the States ilespectiVblo folk within our own knowledge who have visited the States verify too amply how the law is being violated, and the ease with which liquor may lie acquired in a land whore it is supposed to be not. Graft has developed in many directions according to common report in the United States, but in no avenue more than in the attempt- to control liquor. Prohibition dies not exist in the States as reports and statistics prove, but what is worse, is the undermining of the moral fibre of the people hv the Haunting of the law. Freedom of individual action in regard to the use of liquor is not a success anywhere, this week in passing a remit at the Fire Brigades’ Conference, one delegate seriously arraigned Oamaru—a nolicense town —for its failure to adopt prohibition which no-license was intended to imply. Liquor is procurable in such places under the law following •i. certain process, and the good people ,f Oamaru pursue that process very whole-heartedly, it would appear, in order that they may not he deprived

I their liquor And we know from

personal experience that the same state of affairs are existent in other nolicense towns in New Zealand where this make shift attempt at local prohiition has been attempted. But despite all this evidence and examples, the Methodist Conference still fails to see that there is nothing else offering to better prohibition as a remedy for social reform. The old-time Temperance Movement appears to be a dead letter, yet it can he recalled that in the days of the Blue Ribbon Army there as much practical reformation in regard to temperance achieved. That movement was not compulsory—it was for the volunteer to join the ranks and carry out his professions. The professed prohibition has no distinguishing marks like the Blue Ribbon supporter. The Prohibitionist can talk and vote prohibition, but in between be may, and often does, enjoy the beverages lie would deny others. This question in its social sense would surely be advanced when those in the movement to seek to progress along temperance lines. It is clear that the past methods hae failed, and the succession of failures is a justification for a change in the law to place the trade in liquor traffic on a better basis so far as the comfort and convenience of the public are concerned. There can be no objection at this stage to a request for some easing oi the law as to the frequency of the national polls, providing that under the extension, more he required fi'oni licensed houses as to capacity and convenience. The population is growing and larger hotels are necessary. New Zealand has ambitions as a tourist resort. and to cater, for class of trade from overseas, more is expected from the owners of licensed houses, hut at the same time the licensee require something in return, and that is an extended and assured tenure during good conduct.