A.—2

98

A.

No. 98. New Zealand, No. 319. My Lord, — Downing Street, 13th September, 1911. I have the honour to transmit to you a copy of a letter addressed to His Majesty the King by Mr. G. B. Nicholls, organizing secretary, United Temperance Reform Council, Dunedin, on the subject of a vote which he states is to be taken in New Zealand upon the question of alcoholic prohibition. I request that you will cause Mr. Nicholls to be informed that his letter has been laid before His Majesty, who was not pleased to give any directions with respect to it. I have, &c, L. HARCOURT. Governor the Right Hon. Lord Islington, K.C.M.G., D.5.0., &c.

Enclosure. United Temperance Reform Council, 14 Empire Buildings, Princes Street, Dunedin, New Zealand, 19th July, 1911. Your Imperial Majesty,— New Zealand, from which I write, is just now on the verge of a momentous decision. In November or December next a vote is to be taken upon the question not only of local option, but of the absolute prohibition of the importation and use of alcoholic liquors except under doctor's orders as a medicine. As New Zealand is one thousand two hundred miles from the nearest outside source of supply of these liquors, it should be easy to prevent smuggling, and thus give what the world has long required — i.e., an efficient demonstration of a Christian, highly civilized, law-abiding country, also absolutely free from the alcohol-drinking habit. I feel, Your Majesty, that this is an occasion of such importance that it should be brought to your notice. lam also encouraged by the fact that it has been reported that you expressed pleasfire at the freedom of Labrador from crime and disorder owing to prohibition, and that you are,a patron of the Royal Army Temperance Association, to hope that you may possibly see your way to wish the temperance forces of New Zealand well in this battle. The attitude of the Crown Prince of Sweden and the Kaiser of Germany upon this matter is, of course, familiar to you, and we believe that, unless Great Britain herself keeps pace with the increasing sobriety of other nations, she will be fatally handicapped and outclassed. With New Zealand as a beacon-light showing the way out of the alcoholic bog, it is possible that the rest of the Empire may also soon emerge from their present slough of despond in the matter. To carry national prohibition, a vote of 60 per cent, of those who go to the poll must be cast in favour of the proposition. If carried " the trade " has four years' notice to quit. That you may see your way to send your loyal subjects who fight this the greatest foe your Empire has to fear some word of encouragement in their uphill struggle is the prayer of your humble petitioner. King George V., London, England. Geo. B. Nicholls.

Cud-chewing Animals. Swine. Horses. Sweden Norway .. Great Britain and Ireland Finland Other countries in Europe Countries outside Europe except America United States of North America Other States in America Sanitary inspection.. Sanitary inspection.. Sanitary inspection. > j j) • ■ >> Limited prohibition. . Limited prohibition.. 3: General prohibition. . )> • • General prohibition. . ;; 3; * * Bacon and other raw products to be imported from the United Stat< by the proper authorities that the prc in force in the States, and that by sui food. from swine, such as swine-b 33 of North America when t] uduce before leaving the Uni eh examination it has been i iladders and uncleaned lard hey are accompanied by an ited States has been examir Eound to be unspoiled, soun< (steam lard), are allowed attested certificate issued led according to the rules 1, and suitable for human