THE DRINK TRAFFIC.

Wairarapa Age, Volume XXXI, Issue 9134, 6 July 1908, Page 5

THE DRINK TRAFFIC.

WHAT IT GUSTS THE PEOPLE* SpME STARTLING WM? '' * PAPONS. ® It is estimated that the total sum paid by purchasers for the liquor consumed in the Dominion exceeds five million pounds per annum, or more than the total expenditure on the following items of the Dominion's administration (Government Year Book, 1906):—Old age, civil ar.d military pension.*, £304,922; railways £1,594,954; education,£7l7,o7l; hospital and charitable institutions. £131,102; mental hospitals, £79,563; post and telegraph service, £577,115; judicial and legal, £295,875; defence, £156,555; subsidies to local bodies, £96,348; Department of Agricutlure, £124,048; Valuation Department, £30,272; Customs, £44,452; marine, including harbour and lights, £48,490; printing and stationery, £43,862; electoral, £51,570; Land and Income Tax Department,£2o,22o; registration lands and deeds, births, ' marriages and deaths, £26,772; public buildings and domains, £26,893; Public Health Department, £23,215; Tourist Department £28,267; territorial, £298,630; industries and commerce, £40,067; salaries (Governor, Ministers, legislators), miscellaneous, £139,078 a total of £4,971,577. In face of the figures, the five million pounds which it is estimated consumers pay for liquor, is amazing. Apart from the great financial loss it represents the wreckage of life, character, and public well-being, is incalculable. Voters of Masterton will have the power to rtmove this evil at the approaching election by striking out the top line. —Advt.