The White Ribbon. “For God, and Home, and Humanity.” WELLINGTON, JUNE 18, 1927. OUR PETITION.

White Ribbon, Volume 33, Issue 383, 18 June 1927, Page 8

The White Ribbon. “For God, and Home, and Humanity.” WELLINGTON, JUNE 18, 1927. OUR PETITION.

Once more the W.C.T.U. has been at its old game—canvassing for signatures for Petition. Splendid work of a two-fold kind. Educative to workers—brings them in touch with public sentiment in their district. Helpful for service. Lets us know where women are lonely and needing help which we can give. We have marvelled at the courage and devotion of our workers; we have grieved for our shirkers —what they have missed of the joy of service.

RENEWAL OF HO'f'EL LICENSES. We note that in several places the Police have been complaining that bookmakers do business at hotels. This is not to be wondered at. A trade which is the greatest lawbreaker in the world, will quite naturai’y assist law-breakers. In Dunedin, the Bench instructed publicans to discourage women with children coming into licensed premises. Why not discourage father also, from spending his wagvs on licensed premise*?

INTOXICATED BUT NOT DRUNK. A Police Sergeant put the matter tersely in a court case lately. A man was up for being drunk in charge of a car. He admitted taking several drinks, but said he was not drunk. Several witnesses testified that he could walk alright. The police said he was unfit to have charge of a car, and the sergeant summed up. I say he was intoxicated, but I don’t swear he was drunk. Intoxicated! poisoned! The sergeant has scientific opinion

on his side. Long before a man ha." reached the staggering stage of drunkenness his brain is poisoned, and he is quite unfit to be in charge of a motor car in a crowded thoroughfare. We wish the Courts would furnish a correct record of the number of cases of accidents happening when neither f>arty has touched alcoholic drink. We think it would prove an interesting, if not a lengthy document.