PROHIBITION RALLY.

Otaki Mail, Volume 27, 21 November 1919, Page 3

PROHIBITION RALLY.

REV. DAWSON AT PAEKAKARIKX -The Rev. AV. Dawson (organising secretary for the N.Z. Alliance) gave a public address at I’ackakariki on Wednesday night, when, despite bad weather, there was an attendance of about 75 persons—mostly men. Mr A. Anderson, of Otaki, occupied the chair. Mr Dawson pointed out that the liquor question was a world-wide one, and referred to the strenuous efforts being made in various countries to >.ope with tlic evil effects resulting from tho liquor traffic. Prohibition existed in Samoa, said the speaker, and had proved a success. If it was a good thing for Samoa, why n.ot for New Zealand? Mr Dawson said other countries had tried State control, without success, and instanced Northern Australia where their experience of State control j had bee* a very sorry one. Scondi- ' navia had experimented very considerably in restricting the trade, but had . met with such poor success that it. was' t expected they would vote out the sys trill. In America there was the same tale to tell. Saskatchewan, after eight eon months' experience of State control, asked for a poll, and voted it out by three to one. Mr Dawson said he had recently visited America, and told of Lis experiences there in regard to the question, [ and the result of exhaustive enquiries made. The people, as a result of education, were taking up an hostile attitude to drink, and he told that in Saskatchewan, where Prohibition had been carried, there had been no falling off in the revenue of the country. Kansas had been dry for 39 years, and was one of the most prosperous and free of debt of all the States. They had also built tho most stately House of, Parliament there. Mr Dawson referred at some length to America’s attitude on the drink question, saying thg Americans had found that the liquor traffic was a stumbling-block in the way of efficiency and prosperity, aud therefore would have to go. Owing to Mr Dawson having to leave early to catch a train, no questions wore answered. A hearty voto of thanks was accorded the speaker, on the motion of Mr Bond, seconded by Mr Marton. An amendment, to the effect that Prohibition would not stop profiteering, and that Prohibition had not, supported Labour, was negatived by a large majority.