Prohibition
SIR, your uptodate report of facts and figures regarding the increased manufacture and importation of whisky alone during the whole of the war period, and a comparison of each year’s increased sale and use, are surely proof that whisky is some sort of a necessity as a beverage for mankind. The abuse of it, I grant, is also a degradation to mankind. But we have had a good trial of early closing, increased prices of all wines and spirits, with the result of greater importations and consumption even in a time of war and selfsacrifice.
This alone is further proof that people are determined to use and choose for themselves, and of the failure of restricted hours of sale or increased prices to prohibit. What I think would do much to minimise the use of such commodities amongst our returned soldiers is the wearing of the ‘‘uniform’’ alone. No doubt those good men who have fought for us, and those who are going to fight, are beside themselves with excitement at times. But the powers that be have the remedy in their own hands by making it punishable for the men themselves to be intoxicated while wearing the uniform, or for any person who supplies liquor to those wearing the King’s uniform. — I am, etc. I.S.
Wellington on Monday, commenced to review the manpower position, with a view to making an important statement on the subject of future reinforcements.
The dominion is in a very favourable position, as the casualties on the western front have been much fewer this season than were anticipated. There is no knowing what the next two months may bring forth, but New Zealand is well guarded against the contingency of heavy casualties.