PROHIBITION CAMPAIGN.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XLI, Issue 1941, 18 February 1919, Page 2

PROHIBITION CAMPAIGN.

There was a fair audience in I lie Town Hall on 'Sunday afternoon to listen to the address on the subject “Why Banish Drink?” delivered by Commissioner Hodden*. The Mayor (Mr John Chrystall) presided, and welcomed the Commissioner to foxton. He paid a tribute to the work of the Salvation Army in all matters Avhich had for their object thu uplift of humanity. Dealing with the present proposal to pay the Trade four and a-half millions compensation if Prohibition is carried, the Mayor said he failed to see that the Trade avus entitled to such compensation. The Commissioner,* who was greeted Avith loud applause upon rising to speak, said he Avouhl not weary the audience Avitli a mass of figures, but would give them facts from personal experience and observation Avhy they should banish drink. He then gave an account of his early life, his father being an hotelkeeper in Portsmouth. His personal experiences prior to ids conversion were graphically told. The speaker spoke of his experiences- among the slums and drink victims in different parts of the world. Titov need not go outside “God’s, Own Country’'’ to lind the evils that (lie liquor trallic had Avroughl, for every comumiiily could tell its own tale. Referring to compensation, ho said four and a-half millions spent in compensation would lie juslilied for tlfG sake of the health and happiness of unborn millions. It meant £4 10s Od per head of the population. “Why, I would puAvu my watch and chain to tind my quota.” (Applause). When leaving Pakatoa Island, the Avomen there, in faiwelling him as the launch left, implored him to have the pubs closed, in on der to give them a chance. It Avas a pitiful appeal, lie urged every one Avho had a vote to use it on April 10th next, and east it for the abolition of the traffic and for the sake of God and humanity. The address Avas splendidly delivered, and the Commissioner Avas loudly applauded at the conclusion. The Commissioner avus accorded a hearty votq of thanks at the conclusion, pud a similar vote Avas accorded the Mayor,