THE AIMS OF PROHIBITIONS.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume LI, Issue 125, 18 May 1908, Page 4

THE AIMS OF PROHIBITIONS.

To the Editor. Sir,—lt is not. surprising that the word "apology" grates on Mr. Roberts' ear. I. do not remember an instanco 01 one of his parly ever apologising in Mil terms tor any of their extravagant and personal language. Still, as previously stated, his letter—so far as I could understand it—was of the nature of an apology for hi 8 previous strong language. It" may, as in this instance, be quite unconsciously, but even zealots are somewhat amenable to public opinion, lint neither this nor his somewhat ponderous badinage would have called for any notice. It is only the suggestion that his party are requiring till! assistance or an Act of Parliament lo make ilii-ir propaganda easier that is of any interest. Zealots always were and always will be persecutors, ami once give' them legal [lowers to persecute those of us who are not of their way of thinking, and they will soon make this line colony too hot for any but their own sort. In order to gel in the thin end of the wedge, they are now trying out for no-license, wishing to gull the public into the belief that they will then be content, lint the speeches of their leaders inform us now and then when addressing quasi-private meeting* of their own sort, that nothing will satisfy ihein but out-and-out prohibition in'the making, drinking, or possession of alcoholic beverages. U'l the elector be warned by the law recently enacted in Finland, which totally prohibits all trallic in liquor. Quoting iroin Ihi Tillies' correspondent:—"Tlie ecclesiastical use of wine is forbidden, ami some non-alcoholic beverage must be substituted at the communion. One member —a male one, it may be aildcd-coulil i-ot see why churches should be the only taverns left in the country. No one is allowed lo keep alcoholic drinks ill his house unless he can prove that he came into possession of them before the law came into force. The law authorises the police anil various other ollicials to enter any house, On reasonable grounds of suspicion, and search it for spirits. wine, or beer. Carrying alcoholic matter I involves the forfeiture of the vehicle. I with horse and harness; similarly a vessel the principal cargo of which consists of alcoholic drinks will be seized, ivnultics for other oll'ences against the law are excccdhiglv heavy, varying from a line of C 4 to penal servitude for three years." Now, sir, this is the condition to wiiich these people wish to reduce New Zealand. I do not say that Mr. Roberts is with his party in this desire, as I have no means of knowing: but the leaders of the party have several oj them spoken in the highest terms ol -ipiiroval of the Finnish law. 1 cannot iieln thinking that the electors will bo found to be thoroughly opposed to such persecution, if on.lv their attention is aired,,, to it.-, am, etc., [This closes tlw controversy. -Ed. |