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New Zealand Times, Volume XXIX, Issue 4188, 22 August 1874, Page 2

WHAT we cannot understand is why, as soon as a stringent Bill is passed to regulate the liquor traffic, it is usually found necessary to create one or more hospitals for inebriates. Does it not follow that tho one is either a corollary or a consequence of the other ? Not very long since, in the State of Indiana, America* a very stringent 'Liquor Daw Bill was passed, and immediately afterwards something in the shape of an inebriate asylum, largely subsidised by the State, was considered advisable, . The same remark applies to several States comprised in the Union. Not very long [since, the liquor traffic was legislated against in Melbourne, and there, too, an inebriate asylum has been considered desirable. Attempts have been made in Adelaide to make men sober by Act of Parliament, and there has since been an agitation for an institution of the character we have indicated. There are several in America at tho present time that are, we cannot doubt, of great utility. The question appears to arise whether unreasonable legislation, in respect to the liquor trade, does not bring about tho worst results. _ There is under it, and will be, sly grog-selling, when hoeussed brandy and fiery liquors of divers descriptions will be vended. If temperance be the object of tho liquor law reformers, it would seem that their efforts do not in all cases conduce to this. And, certainly, they evoke an immense amount of opposition from persons who are just as much opposed to intemperance as they can he, which they would avoid if they would pursue a course that in many quarters would be considered more temperate and rational.