ALCOHOLICS ON HOSPITAL SHIPS.

Taranaki Daily News, 13 November 1915, Page 6

ALCOHOLICS ON HOSPITAL SHIPS.

| To the Editor. Sir, —In the New Zealand Times of the 9th inst. tenders are called for the delivery of supplies to the hospital ship Marama. The following items are included:—Brandy, 1000 bottles; champagne, 1250 bottles; stout (half-pints). 9500 bottles; gin, 430 bottles; whisky, 540 bottles; and port wine and claret .totalling 1815 bottles. In view of your correspondent "Medical's" .statement that "the great bulk of the medical faculty condemn alcoholic beverages of all kinds," and that the majority of British leaders are also opposed to strong drink, is it not strange that such a big stock of all kinds of "firewater" is required for use on the hospital ship? It looks as if Mr. Wrights argument that alcohol is necessary is not far short of the mark. If necessary to sick and woundfid men. i why not in the trenches? Surely if it helps to cure it will help to prevent sickness. Probably lam mistaken in supposing the hospital ship supply is for the invalided men, as it might* be intended for the medical officers and stall' of the ship. Jn either case, it is evident that some of tlie "heads" are of Air. Wrights opinion that alcohol is a necessity. In conclusion, I may say that the "titles" and epithets applied to Sir. Wright by "Medical" are in very bad taste and savor merely of personal abuse that should have been avoided.— I am, etc., PUZZLED. Fitzror, November 12,