THE LIQUOR TRAFFIC.

New Zealand Times, Volume XXXII, Issue 5010, 14 April 1877, Page 2

THE LIQUOR TRAFFIC.

TO THE EDITOR OF THE NEW ZEALAND TIITE3. Sir, —In your issue of the 12th instant there appears a letter from our respected Archdeacon on the above subject. It is evidently written with good intentions ; and although the Archdeacon is not well acquainted with some of the subjects in his letter, the will is welcomely taken for the deed. Respecting the adulteration of liquor sold by some publicans, I may mention for his information, and for that of the public generally, that in all my experience —which runs over many years, both in this and the South Island, where I have been behind the scenes of very many hotels and public - houses —it has never come under my knowledge of any publican who adulterated with other than the following :—Water generally used; strong cold tea I have known used; and soda-water ; beyond these it has never come to my knowledge of further adulteration. But one thing is certain, very many publicans are in the habit of buying at very low prices that which appears tempting, to make a large profit, not in any respect studying the health or comfort of their customers. The foregoing remark does not entirely apply to purchases made in New Zealand, but includes liquors sold in Melbourne, London, &c., &c., for this market. Now, with regard to the Government analysing, I fear there would be but little good effected, unless all liquors were tested on ar-

rival in this country. The great evil of bad, trashy liquor ia really due to the low-priced, injurious -wines and spirits imported. And lastly, I may state wines in particular are quite enough mixed up, and so much adulterated that the publicans’ work in this part of the business is already done for him. It would indeed be a great boon to the public could an analyst be procured who could really detect the adulteration and its in the vai((vuß compounds when imported, which 1 very much doubt. But as the Archdeacon is taking one step in the right direction, perhaps he may be able to confer the above boon. —I am, &c., Barman. Wellington, April 13.