Correspondence

Te Aroha News, Volume XXII, Issue 42792, 17 October 1905, Page 2

Correspondence

We do not ho'd ourselves res] onsible for tne opinions expressed by our correspondents.

To the Editor

g IEj —J have received another leaflet, evidently circulated by those interested in keeping the present License system in force. The leaflet gives statistics purporting to show the actual causes of poverty in America, England and Germany, and admits that eleven per cent, of tho poverty-stricken of those countries, fall through the direct effects of drink. It is also admitted that nine per cent fall through misconduct other than drinking, and seventy-five per cent through misfortune. It is stated, moreover, that this enormous percentage of unfortunate people take to drink after being started on their downward career by other causes. Although these figures apply to other countries, they are evidently quoted as being applicable to New Zealand. This being the case, would it not be a grand move if we could, by introducing no-license through the' colony, save from irretrievable ruin, eighty-four per cent, of our unfortunate countrymen who , may at times be in a position of temporary misfortune, but yet who could, by being kept from the temptations of strong drink, gradually bring themselves again into a position of prosperity. An attempt is also made to attribute the causing of poverty and crime to irregularity of employment. Is not the poverty in enforced idleness often caused by want of thrift during periods of prosperity, by the thoughtless frittering away of money in drink, only sufficient, if so much, being reserved for other needs of the moment? Have we not all of us seen numerous examples of men who have been situated in what should have been termed permanent billets, lyet, through drink, and the lowering vices which live on it, have been turned out into the world workless, and degraded in both body and mind ? It is then stated that in Mohammedan countries, where wine is |forbidden by the Koran, pauperism exists in an extraordinary degree. It must not bo for- ■ gotten that conditions which would be considered pauperism in one of the highlycivilised countries, may bo the ordinary standard of living in a country where civilisation has not reached such a high pitch. England and Wales alone have an army of paupers in receipt of relief, equal to the total population of N.ew Zealand. Yet England is by no means a Prohibitionist country, with her expenditure of over £174,000,000 annually in alcoholic drinks. But to come nearer home. Has it not been conclusively proved at Gore and other places that No-license is, on the whole, a great success. At these places since No-licenße was carried, the money-spending power has increased with great benefit to trade and the condition of the homes. People who previously could scarcely pay rent are now buying houses for themselves. Drunken loafers and disgusting scenes in the i streets are a thing of the past; theJSavnp a Bank deposits have increased; the friendly societies have had less sick pay to find than formerly. In fact, the spending of money has been diverted into far better channels than formerly, and increased prosperity, cleanliness and orderliness, are very evident. Why should not we follow in the footsteps of those districts which have recently, by force of example, brought about this changed condition of things. A little study of both sides of the question, assisted by personal observations, must convince all hut interested antagonists that the only method for advancement of our beloved counntry is to “strike out the ton line.” I am,- etc., Advance.