THE Thames Guardian AND MINING RECORD. FRIDAY, JUNE 28, 1872.

Thames Guardian and Mining Record, Volume I, Issue 225, 28 June 1872, Page 2

THE Thames Guardian AND MINING RECORD. FRIDAY , JUNE 28, 1872.

Perseverance in a good cause is always commendable, and certainly the parties wlio arc urging on the petition in favour of the introduction of a Permissive Bill have exhibited much peiseverauce. We cannot help thinking,

however, that their energies might be employed to more purpose, so far as any practicable result is likely to bo attained if they would turn their attention to something else. The evils of drunkenness are admitted on all sides, even by drunkards themselves, and so iar everybody will agree with the arguments of temperance advocates to that effect. But to suppose that the passing of tl is Permissive Bill by the Legislature would reduce drunkenness in the most infinitesimal degree, wo think is a most extravagant idea, at variance with common sense. Moreover, as wc have pointed out on former occasions, there is already a Permissive Bill in the Province of Auckland, of which its apostles can take full benefit if they like. What more they want we are at a loss to know. What additional machinery can possibly be embodied in this new Bill, which is not in the present one, which is said to be founded on the best models, from a teetotal point of view? The petition will, no doubt, be received by the Assembly in the usual manner. It may form the subject matter of some member's oration in the House, be supported by Mr Fox and a few more, and be shelved. It may of course result otherwise, but if it does, we shall be much surprised. What will astonish us much more, however, will be if a bill should be passed that will have any practical effect. The lesson taught by the present state of affairs in this province should convince the promoters of the present movement that the voice of the great body of the people is not with them. They are to a a great extent wasting their breath in speechifying on a subject upon which almost everybody is agreed. The “ Permissive Bill ” is all very well in theory, but in practice it is altogether unsuited to the wants, requirements, and circumstances of the place. If the Permissive Bill Committee, or any other body of citizens, could take such action as would result in the prevention of the sale of inferior and adulterated fermented and spirituous liquors, and promote the use of good and wholesome products of the grape, and genuine malt and hops, they would achieve a reformation far more productive of benefit than by attempting to shut up a public house here and there, which is about the utmost they could possibly attain, even if their pet measure were carried by the Assembly. It has been carried by the Provincial Council, and remains a dead letter. The Legislature here, as in all British and most other countries, has acknowledged the legitimacy of the liquor trade, which we believe to be neither better nor worse than any other calling. So far as medical testimony goes, there are about as many authorities on one side as the other regarding the use of intoxicating drinks, and undoubtedly the longest livers have not been teetotallers. The use and the abuse of any article of food arc two very different tilings. With the advocates of temperance in all things we go hand in hand, but when we sec a hobby attempted to be ridden to death by a section of tlio community, to tlie prejudice of a perfectly ligitimate trade, wc think, as public journalists, it is our duty to point out what we conceive to be the utterly useless course which the Permissive Bill Committee are pursuing. Let them put the existing Act before them into force, if they can. It combines all they profess to want. Its beauties have been eulogised over and over again by its admirers. But the fact remains that it is practically a dead letter, and so wc are convinced will be any other “ Permissive Bill ” passed in the colony.