A PLEA FOR THE CHILDREN.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XXXIII, Issue 1065, 4 November 1911, Page 4

A PLEA FOR THE CHILDREN.

One of the characteristics of any civilised age or nation is its care for the welfare of the children. Time was when parents considered that their duty was amply and efficiently carried out if their children were well provided for in the matter of food and clothing. That day has forever passed away, and parents are now rightly held responsible for the complete equipment of their children in all matters which will help their advancement in and make them efficient citizens. Children now have well recognised rights, and it is the duty of the State to see that these rights are secured to them, and that nothing is permitted to take such rights away. Among the rights of our children all will agree that a sound body and a sound mind are first. How many children are from their birth handicapped because the very tissues of their bodies are corrupted by alcohol? How many will never know the advantage of a strong and vigorous intellect because of the heritage which drink has left them ? Alcohol ruins the mind and ruins the body. For the children’s sake strike out the top line.

In most walks of life the battle is to the sound. Help the children to “a sound mind in a sound body,” by striking out the top line. Children also have a right to start life’s race from “scratch.” There should be no handicap against them. There is no handicap like the drink shop. Take this handicap away by striking out the top line. How does your example affect the children? Does it help, or does it hinder ? If they see you frequenting the drink shop they will think it is also good for them. Do they know that you vote to keep it as a menace to their welfare, or that you are trying all you can to have it put out of their way, so that they may have a clear course before them ? Every hotel bar is a temptation to your boy.—Close it. Every drink you take is liable to iniiuence him. —Drop it. Every vote you poll is for him more than for yourself. Use it. The top line, if carried, is sure to injure him. —Strike it out. Strike out the top line on both papers, and give your boy a good chance.