THE PERMISSIVE BILL.

Thames Guardian and Mining Record, Volume I, Issue 215, 17 June 1872, Page 3

THE PERMISSIVE BILL.

To the Editor ot the THAMES GUARDIAN. Sir, —As a staunch teetotaller of many years standing, I am glad to see the interest which is being taken in our noble cause at the present time, and the atten- ’ tion which is being paid to it by the Press. We shall triumph in the end, Sir, and the great and glorious Fox, who is now at the head of affairs in Wellington, will carry us through, despite of what is being said against us by our enemies, who call us “ disciples of the pump," “ mounters of the stump,” and similar objectionable appellations. I feel that our cause is a good one. Have we not on our side the countenance of the leading ministers of religion, who never take their brandy and water at their own houses, and on board the steamers to and from Auckland, and whose jolly rubicund visages are a proof that they drink nothing but cold water ? I believe, sir, that it is because these good people live on bread and water that they do look so well, and have prospered so well. There’s nothing like it, sir, despite of what may be said to the contrary. I say to the advocates of the Permissive Bill, “Go on aud prosper." You are the true leaders of the people. When you have such eloquence on your side, as was evinced at the recent meeting at the Home Institute, you have nothing to fear. Look, sir, how they carried all their resolutions. None dare oppose them. Was it not great, sir ! The peroration of the venerable Father Mason was such as to carry conviction to the hearts of those present. I rejoice, sir, that such as he are leaders of the people. He is well qualified by birth, education and training to lead the public mind. All credit to him that he left the old country for the sake of advocating the cause of “ the people” in such an appropriate building as the Thames Home Institute, built by the Reverend Gideon Smales for the social and moral benefit of the digger, with no selfish view to his own interest, but from the purest aud best of motives. I rejoice, sir, to have such men as Mr Mason aud the other speakers at the late meeting in our midst, advocating its glorious cause in such an appropriate place. Success must attend us with the undoubted advantages which I have feebly attempted to point out. We have the leading men of the place personified by those present at the late meeting at our back, who shall gainsay our cause when we have such defenders. We must triumph sir, notwithstanding the existence of a very insignificant section of the community who attempt to oppose us. I live, sir, close to a stand pipe, for which I feel grateful, and not far from a public-house, at which I feel aggravated. Can you, sir, help me in this dilemma? Apologising for troubling you at this length, but hoping the importance of the question will excuse it, —I am, &c., A Staunch Teetotaller. Grahamstown, June 15, 1872.