TOLERATION.

Taranaki Daily News, 5 December 1917, Page 7

TOLERATION.

To tiie Kditor. Sir,—As the greater part of Mr. Maunder's letter relates to the abuse, not the use of alcohol, it needs nu roplv from nie. Kindly allow space to state definitely how I, and other moderates, view this question. I believe that the majority of people from one cause or another require a stimulant which onlv alcohol can supply. I have quoted high medical opinion in support, Mr. Mamule • quotes equally eminent testimony in contradiction thereof. When doctors disnpren one must fall hack on common sense logic, iiul personal observation. Blind indeed must he the man who has not seen its beneficial effects in numberless cases. That alcohol is a poison proves nothing, since that can be said of mnnv article's of daily consumption. If it be the virulent poison Mr. Maunders school would have us believe, how are we to account for the intense vitality of the two principal belligerents in the present war, who for centuries have been heavy consumers of it? Corning nearer home, bow are we to explain the great age attained by many of our old settlers, who have used it as a beverage all their lives? Why do the British and French Governments persist in giving it to their soldiers? Many other questions of this" kind might be asked, but "cui bono?" Mr. Maunder's school can see no good in any man or tiling connected with alcohol, vide .Mr. Myers and six o'clockclosing. Dr. Caper's article, can be found first door .to the right, magazine section, New York Times, September 12 |ir lfi I am, etc., ,T. J. rfARKER. Lemon street. New Plymouth.