One Who Changed Her Mind.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XLIV, Issue 2500, 31 October 1922, Page 3 (Supplement)

One Who Changed Her Mind .

To speak plainly, I have always been a firm advocate erf Prohibition; but recently I have changed my mmd completely. “What has caused this change?” I ask myself. I shall now endeavour to give the answer, which again will expose the hidden, and consequently doubly evil, effects of Prohibition.

Before giving my views I would lake you to ask yourselves some questions. Here is one: “Wherehave we evidence that Prohibition has done inestimable good?” Of two evils, which would you prefer—the hidden evil which, unknown to you, eats at the vitals of the nation; or the palpable evil which may 'be checked or at least modified?’* And thirdly, “Do you not believe that anyone with respect for himself and his family is possessed of sufficient willpower to moderate (his appetite ?”

I am quite sure that if each one answers these questions honestly the replies will show that« Prohibition, is a mere ward which has no significance whatever, simply because all arguments in favour of it can be easily shown to have no grounds of truth. I must now revert to my own ideas on the subject of “license,” and show what caused the change in my mental attitude towards Prohibition. I think that all the evils of society have been, and still are, ATTRIBUTED to the influence of liquor. Grimes innumerable and varied are said to be the result of indulgence in drink. If these cases were examined it would be found that this excuse —that’s all it is—is only a “camouflage,” beneath which shelter other causes that dare not be exposed. Of all the robberies, murders and other crimes committed, how many were really caused by the influence of drink ? No, they were caused by jealousy, greed, sometimes by mental deficiency, sometimes by weakness of will which oould not resist a sudden temptation. Even if we argue that many crimes are committed by persons under the influence of drink, it still remains that a further cause ia always present, such as auger, the result of undue provocation. Again, homes and families are said to (have been broken up by the evil influence of liquor; but in nine cases out of ten, this is only the attributed, not the real, cause.

As experience has shown in “dry” countries, such as America, the worst results possible have followed National Prohibition. Witness all the illicit methods by which man will procure that which he will not do without; think of the drugs—vile substitutes far a harmless and invigorating beverage; and, lastly, consider the millions thrown out of employment. What about the use of wine aa a medicinal and sacramental agent? )We might as well begin a campaign against the use of tobacco, or even of sweets, the use of which, when indulged in TO EXCESS, causes as much evil aa liquor, used IN EXCESS. Mian A. S. (Timarud