THE PROHIBITION POLL.

Taihape Daily Times, 28 March 1919, Page 4

THE PROHIBITION POLL.

Reconstruction needs two things—population and capital. Obviously both will gravitate where taxation is lowest. That being so can N.Z. afford to carry on and yearly increase, an avoidable burden of taxation? . Obviously No! It is admitted that 55 per cent, of the expenditure on gaols, judiciary, hospitals, police etc. is directly due to liquor. Thus Prohibition would immediately save £810,935. The £5,000,000 now spent in liquo; will be expended in other ways and it is safe to assume will yield the same percentage to revenue as does the rest of production. This will amount to £780,000. Increased efficiency will undoubtedly represent a further £780.000 (it would probably be double that), making a grand total of £2,370,935. Place against this the £1,000,000 loss from liquor revenue, plus £250,000 sinking fund and interest on the compensation money, d prohibition gives us a net gain of over £1,000,000 per annum. It’s up to us all right, and the day is Thursday, April 10. Strike out the top line. — (Advt.)