THE MODERATES AGAIN!

Taranaki Daily News, 9 December 1919, Page 2

THE MODERATES AGAIN!

To tho Editor. Sir, —I have just received a circular from tho New Zealand Moderate League, no doubt In common with many other people In New Plymouth, addressed to "All Thoughtful People." In It there is a quotation from the report of tho Advisory Committee, which haa been published by tho British Government; but the quotation Is Incomplete, and, therefore, misleading. Tho quotation Is to prove that alcoholic liquor Is not harmful; and that, if taken according to the! dictates of science, "raoderato in quantity, In adequate dilution, and at sufficient Intervals," it may not he harmful. In short to escape the harm a man's drinks must bo small, weak, seldom, and then It may not do him any harm. But tho quote stops too soon, for the next sentence reads: "On the other hand, It is certainly true that alcoholic beverages are in no way necessary tor healthy life; that they are harmful or dangerous If the above-mentioned precautions are not observed; and further, that they are definitely injurious for children and for most persons of an unstable nervous system, notably for those" who have had severe injuries to the head, or have suffered from attacks of mental disorder, or from nervous shock." The report from which the quotation Is taken Is published in book form as "Alcohol: Its Action on the Human Organism," and Is well worth the study of "all thoughtful people." It Is the best that can bo said In favor of firlnk, and It utterly condemns it with faint praise. By all means let Moderates read it.— I am, otc., O.H.M.