PROHIBITION IN THE STATES

Hokitika Guardian, 6 July 1929, Page 6

PROHIBITION IN THE STATES

VIEAVS OF THE CHURCH TIMES

LONDON, May 23

The Church Times, describing prohibition in America as ‘1 a silly and evil law,” gives a word of warning to those who might desire to* make prohibition in this country a plank during the election. Such people, points out the Church Times, should study the Prohibition Bill of America, which last year totalled £185,000,000. “In addition to this gigantic sum the toll of human lives must also be considered,” continues the article, “nor can America fc’et off against this loss any great reduction in - crime. Indeed, the fact remains •that in spite of prohibition the criminal statistics of the United States remain, as their President has recently ■ observed, exceptionally high. The article states that the idea that it was possible to bring up. the rising generation without knowledge of alcohol had proved.*! .to he absurd. Yet another indictment of prohibition was •that “this absurd policy” might estrange relations between Canada and the States•

“That a foolish v IaAV,”. , the kliliuiGli Times,-shdiild threaten the friendly relations between two countries is deplorable. While the American people insist on keeping tliis perverse legislation on their Statute Book, we consider that British subjects act wrongly in endangering, lives b helping Americans to violate it; but nless blameworthy are the foolish people among ourselves who give any Jfiora 1 support to a silly and evil law.” TAYO SIDES TO THE QUESTION In a paragraph of its. summary the Church Time condemns the legislative progress of the Temperance Council of the Christian Churches. This programme embraces local option, the bringing of clubs into line with public houses and Sunday closing. . Of local option,, the Church Times says that it is not democratic and insists O’kt 11 majority of 75 per cent, shi i’M be essential. The club questi< n is contlc:'" 11: d ns “curbing the hospi ality. of ; the poor,” while no rich mu'i’.s;'■bib ' c 'tiites/- would be harassed !:i ■ v the ; least. Sunday closin' is condemned in the light of AVelsli experience, which shows that this movement has merely led to “horrible drunkenness along the.!-.border.” It should be- resented by young men who live in lodgings and prejudice them against religion. Tlie Church Times sums up. its attitude as follows ■ , “A\ 7 e respect the motives of the enthusiast, hut we feel it necessary to point out that there are two sides to me question which they are raising.”