"LIQUOR LAW REFORM."

New Zealand Times, Volume XXIX, Issue 4154, 14 July 1874, Page 3

"LIQUOR LAW REFORM."

TO THE EDITOR. Sir, —In a column of your journal, containing matter concerning which you repudiate all responsibility, I find the following words : "At the late meeting of the Synod in Wellington, the Primate, Bishop Harper, proposed a resolution which had for its object to induce the Church of England in New Zealand to join in the crusade against intemperance. The present Bishop of Wellington opposed the motion, saying that he sawno reason for singling out specially the sin of intemperance." In reply to this I beg leave to say that the Primate proposed no such resolution as that mentioned. I am charged with a habit of. speaking " unadvisedly with my lips." I shall always be prepared to defend or substantiate any assertion that I make. I venture to think that to write and deliberately publish what is untrue, even in support of "total abstinence," is wholly inexcusable. The following resolution was brought before the Synod by the Dean of Christchurch :—" That this Synod deeply deplores the wide prevalence of intemperance among the professing members of the Church in all classes of society, and is of opinion that the evil is so great as to call for special efforts and the adoption of special agencies for its abatement, and for the promotion of temperance ; but inasmuch as circumstances and opportunities vary more or less in the several dioceses, the form which such special agencies should assume is a question best left for the consideration of Diocesan Synods ; and the Synod earnestly requests the several Diocesan Synods to give their earliest and most serious attention to this important matter." I expressed a decided objection to the Synod's giving its sanction to what appeared to be an unwarranted assertion, namely, "the wide prevalence of intemperance among the professing members of the Church of all classes of society." I likewise exposed what I deemed to be fallacies advanced by some who spoke on the question ; but I offered no opposition to the motion. I now further venture to say that more good would be done by vigorous efforts being made to promote religious education, and uphold moral principals, than by futile attempts to induce all persons to abstain from spirituous liquors. What is really needed is a stringent law against the sale of adulterated liquors, as well as one for the better regulation of publichouses. I consider Utopian schemes for the promotion of total abstinence more likely to divort attention from such practical objects than to lead to their adoption I am, &c, 0. Wellington. Mulgrave Street, July 13.