MR. ALLEN REPLIES.

Taranaki Daily News, 8 March 1916, Page 6

MR. ALLEN REPLIES.

To the Editor. Sir, —A few days ago you reported thut the Moderate League submitted to Mr. Allen, Defence Minister, five questions leading up to the conclusion they desire to fix l on the public mind; that is, that very little, if any, evil results to our soldiers on account of their drinking intoxicants. Mr. Allen replies in your issue of this morning and, whilst lie admits harm does result from soldiers' drinking, makeg rather light of it. Now, if the Minister replies to the Moderates' questions, pointing their way, it is quite reasonable to ask him to reply to questions put by the other side, represented by the New Zealand Alliance. The question I think the Alliance should submit ought to be in the direction of finding what good the soldiers get from their drinking. Mr. Allen admits they get some damage; he should now be asked to point out the compensating benefits (if lie can), or the common people will he led to conclude that it is all, loss and no gain, which is the. truth. Professor Atwater some years ago investigated this subject, and he said the final result of his enquiries showed that the use of alcoholic drinks was "damage and not benefit." It will be nothing less than a public scandal if a Minister of the Crown answers questions at the request of the liquor people and refuses to answer the queries of the Temperance Reformers.— I am, etc., ' GEO. H. MAUNDER. 7/3/16.