CORRESPONDENCE.

Temuka Leader, Volume 2, Issue 160, 9 July 1879, Page 2

CORRESPONDENCE.

[Wo do not hold ourselves responsible for tho opinions expressed by our correspondents.] (to the editor of the temuka leader.) Sir,—l have just received the ' Tetmika Leader' of the 25th inst., and I was heartily glad to see such an article written on the drink question. In the first place, I must congratulate you for speaking out so boldly against the use of intoxicating drinks. I only wish more of the colonial press would do so in a like manner, for they would have the thanks of the temperence reformers. The power of the press is something' wonderful in these days. I believe the publication of newspapers has great influence upon individuals and communities at large. How many are there who think that what is in a papermust be right. I don't think so in every case, still a great many people never think for themselves, and, of course, come to the conclusion that everything they seo in a paper must be correct as far as my humble opinion goes. I do think that the newspaper press of this Colony, taken as a whole, is managed with great ability and care and truthfulness, and now for a few words on teetotalism. I have been -and am still an abstainer for many years. I only wish there were more of the same mind. My own experience is the longer a person keep" aloof fiom any bad habit the less he is inclined to indulge in it. The total abstinence plan is simple and easy understood. The reason of the temperance movement not prospering more as it should, is, I think that those who have the greatest influence and means at their command do not support the temperance cause as they ought, for there is no mistake that those who are rich in money can do the greatest good. Money is a great power in the world. In my own mind the drinking of intoxicants and its evil consequences is tho greatest stumbling block in tho way of everything lhat is good, either for this world 01 the next. In conclusion, I earnestly hope yon may further weild your pen in behalf of the temperance movement, and also that other newspapers may follow your example, for the old adage has it, ' the pen is mightier than the sword.' I am, etc., Edwin Jiutlano, Richmond Grove, Southland. June 28th, 1879.