PETITION LAUNCHED.

Manawatu Standard, Volume LX, Issue 253, 23 September 1940, Page 9

PETITION LAUNCHED.

NEW ZEALAND ALLIANCE

'REQUESTS TO GOVERNMENT. Following similar action in other districts, a meeting was held in tho Little Theatre, yesterday afternoon, by the New Zealand Alliance to further the organising of a petition, to the Government for the restriction of the liquor traffic ior the duration of the war and 6ix mouths afterward. Addresses were given by Mrs Major Dick and Mr if. W. Milner (general superintendent of the Alliance). The petition, after stating that the “New Zealand Alliance and associated temperance organisations firmly believe that, as recommended by the National Efficiency Board, in 1917, the absolute abolition pf the liquor traffic by the will of the people (educated and convinced to the degree that will effect this) is the only ultimate euro for the liquor evils in New Zealand,” quotes statistics of increases in the number of charges in the Courts for drunkenness and for offences in which intoxication is also concerned, and “urges the Government to introduce regulations for tho period of the war and six months thereafter, embodying the following reforms: (a) Reduction of (1) the facilities for the sale of liquor, (2) tho present hours of sale, (3) the alcoholic content of beer; (b) further restrictions on importation of liquor; (c) total restrictions on sale, supply and/or delivery of liquor to any person between the hours of 6 p.m. and 9 a.m. (and during any hours in which bars are supposed to be closed) with rigid enforcement.” ' The chair was occupied by Rev. J. C. Macky, in the unavoidable absence of Rev. J. Hubbard, and there were also on the stage Rev. W. M. Garner, Rev. R. Warnocli and Pastor G. It. Stirling. There was a good attendance of the public. The speakers were introduced by Mr Macky, who commented that it would not be Christian to keep silent oil the matter of the liquor traffic. Mrs Dick said that only those who were total abstainers were allowed to take the Salvation Army pledge, and she wished that such a proviso was attached to all ehurc'h membership. She gave an outline of her experiences in coming in contact with cases resulting from indulgence in liquor, and said the effect was worse with women than with men where persons were captured by a liking for liquor. Mr Milner referred to the power of public opinion in leading to decisions by those in Parliamentary authority, and spoke of the closing of tho night cl libs in Great Britain on the grounds that “there was no tongue so loose as that loosened by liquor.” Public opinion 'had been directed, also, to the fact that no less than 6,000,0001 b of sugar a day was allowed the brewers in Great Britain when sugar was a valuable foods Because of the larger number of public addresses given now than formerly the weight accorded expressions of opinion made therein was not now so great. It was essential that the Press should report public opinion fairly, said Mr Milner. In time of war the nations reduced the liquor trade, proceeded Mr Milner, the reason being that it sapped their war effort. Britain made a reduction at the outset of the present war; Russia and many other nations did so in the last war. The liquor trade question was vital in New Zealand to-day, firstly, because of its moral effect and secondly because it was damaging to the health of 'the people. In concluding, Mr Milner said this petition was not directed at the Army. The Alliance believed all should be treated alike, Army, Navy and Air Force, men 'and officers, and also civilians. Mr Garner moved a vote of thanks to the two speakers and this was carried with acclamation, Hymns were sung and prayers were offered by Mr Warnoek and Mr Stirling. At the close of the the gathering the petition was freely signed, and Mr H. Grinstead announced that each of tho churches would he allocated a block of tho city area from which to secure signatures. The Salvation Army Band i played in the street prior to the. meeting.