WHAT PROHIBITION MEANS.

Taranaki Daily News, 20 September 1918, Page 6

WHAT PROHIBITION MEANS.

THE LAW EXPLAINED. ('From a Correspondent.) Wellington, Sept. 17. At a meeting of the Central Executive of the N.Z. Moderate League held last evening it was pointed out that many people were not aware of the real meaning of National Prohibition. The President, Mr D. M. Findlay, said that any misunderstanding that existed could be removed by reference to the existing law as contained in section 21 of the Licensing Amendment Act 1910, which read as follows: '"2 l (1) At all times while no licenses exist in New Zealand by virtue of any determination in favor of National Prohibition, and while tliat determination remains in force, it shall be unlawful for any person to import into New Zealand, or to manufacture, sell, or have in his possession for the purposes of sale, intoxicating liquor of any description." lie proceeded to point out that under National Prohibition no persons could procure alcoholic liquors for use in their own homes or the entertainment of friends. The words "or to manufacture" in section 21 also clearly make it illegal a housewife to make any home-made wines, cider, or other fermented drinks. "There can be no doubt on this point," 1 said Mr Findlay. "The people must realise that National Prohibition does 1 not merely mean closing t.lio publichouses. It is a direct infringement of personal liberty and personal choice. If National Prohibition becomes law it will enter the homes of the people, and it will be made impossible for the citizens of New Zealand to have alcoholic beverages of any kind in their possession for social purposes in their own homes, » in their clubs, or at any social gatherings. I cannot believe that the freedom loving people of this Dominion will deliberately impose upon themselves such a tyrannous and inquisitorial system. From what has been stated it appears that many people are under the impression that the present so-called "Efficiency Campaign" aims merely at closing the public houses. That impression is entirely wrong. The "Efficiency Campaign" aims at total Nation- [ al Prohibition which if carried into effect will create the conditions already indicated. The right course for those who are dissatisfied with the present conduct of tho Trade is to support the Moderate League in its determination to secure National Ownership. The present favorable conditions should be seized by all those who believe that the way to practical temperance lies in proper regulation and control."*