TEMPERANCE MATTERS

Wairarapa Daily Times, Volume XII, Issue 3826, 3 June 1891, Page 2

TEMPERANCE MATTERS

THE PROHIBITION ALLIANCE. ACTION OF THE NEWSPAPERS. A meeting of the Masterton members of the Alliance for the Prohibition of the Liquor Traffic, was held last evening in the Wesleyan School* room, Mr Easthope occupying the chair.

The necessity of educating the public mind on the matter of prohibition was discussed. It was reported that the Eev Edward Walker at his recent visit had informed the Alliance that the two Masterton papers had agreed to publish matter supplied periodically in a t smperance column. The Wairarapa Daily had regularly published temperance informatio . The Star, however, repudiated making any promise. It was reported that the Editor of the Daily was prepared to place at the disposal of Masterton Prohibitionists a column of his paper weekly. In connection with the avowed antagonism of the Star, the following correspondence was read:

The Manse,

Masterton, 28th May, 1891 Mr Joseph J. Smith, Proprietor Wairarapa Stir.

Sib—ln a leading article in last night's Star, I find the following statement: "We have been asked to publish a temperance column weekly for that priest'y recompense fhe "love ot God," and were compelled to decline." The article then goes on to hold up to ridicule the action of your Masterton contemporary in publishing regularly a temperance column. I have reason to know that a very large number of the New Zealand newspapers give space regularly to temperance news. The only reward these papers get is what the Star sneeringly describes as that " priestly recompense the love of God." As I am interested in the temperance cause, may I trouble you to ask on what terms you would insert half a column of temperance news every fortnight? I am, yours truly, Robebt Wood.

Star Office, Masterton, May 29th, 1891,

Dear Sir, —I have pleisure in acknowledging receipt ot your favour of 28th inst. In reply, my charge for insertion of special matter you ask for would be 6d (sixpence) per inch each insertion.

I am, Sir, . Yours faithfully, Joseph J. Smith, Rev. Robt. Wood, Masterton.

The Manse, Masterton, 30th May, 1801, Mr Joseph J. Smith, Star Office, Masterton.

Sib, —Your letter of yesterday's date has just come to hand. I gather from it that you, as proprietor of the Star, entirely agree with the business policy of the Editorial of 27th inst. The Editorial announced that the Star refused to publish a temperance column for that " priestly consideration, ' The Love of God.' " Your letter, however, informs me that you are ready to publish the temperance column for the consideration of sixpence an inch. The fortnightly half column at this rate would amount to L 8 10s per annum; a weekly half column Ll7. I will take an early opportunity of laying your offer before those who, for that " priestly consideration, ' The Love of God,'" and the loye of man, are labouring in the cause of temperanae. I regret, however, that the business principles of your journal were announced in such a way as to insult the Christian faith and feeling of the community.—l am, yours truly, Eobebt Wood. Masterton, June 2,1891. The Rev,,R.Wood,

Sir.—l beg to state that I was appointed to accompany the Rev. Mr Walker in his rounds through Mas* terton by a Committee of the Alliance, when Mr Hogg agreed to publish half a column periodically in the Star, free of charge, of temperance matter, which was to be supplied.

I am, etc., G. W. WOODBOOFE.

It was unanimously resolved as follows :—"Having beard reports and correspondence, the members decline tbe Star's offer to publish a temperance column for a money consider** tion. They regret that the %<r ignores the fact that the Alliance is a Social Reform Society and not a money-making business ;■ and tbey consider that the charge named by Mr Jos. Smith is, under the circumstances, little better than an attempt to levy a tax on those who labour for social progress. They further put on record their appreciation of the fairness of the Wairarapa Daily in publishing for some time past a temperance column ; and they accept with thanks tiie weekly column of the Daily placed at their disposal, and appoint a uommittee to edit the said colruin,"