LITERATURE AND LIQUOR.

New Zealand Listener, Volume 15, Issue 378, 20 September 1946, Page 5

LITERATURE AND LIQUOR.

Sir,-It is not in a spirit of criticism, but to make a eves of some social imtance, that I er comment on a in "G.M,’s" notice of the film The Lost Weekend. "G.M." says the reason given for the hero being a dipsomaniac is not sufficient. "The feeling of hopelessness at the sight of an empty white page waiting to be filled is common enough ... . but fortunately it does not by itself send authors and journalists . . . .off on a five-day binge." haven't seen the film or read the book, but it is unfortunately a fact that there have been writers who have depended upon liquor as a weapon against the menace of "The empty white page," and have come to grief in consequence, Many years ago Coulson Kernahan, an English writer of standing, wrote a short story on the subject.. A young writer took a stimulant to help him over a hard job, contracted the habit, and became a hopeless drunkard. There is more over-drinking in the literary ‘world of England than the public realises, and it is reasonable to suppose that some of these cases proceed from this cause. The practice of the arts often imposes a heavy nervous strain. Writers, including journalists, have to work against time, and perhaps miss regular meals. The temptation to seek the aid of liquor is sometimes strong, and is apt to lead to disaster. In advice

to young writers, Hilaire Belloc has something to say about this. But, as the history of letters shows, one can become a slaye to other things besides drink. Edgar Wallace kept going on frequent cups of sweetened tea, and died, after a short illness, of diabetes.

A.

M.

(Wellington).