PROHIBITION.

Ashburton Guardian, Volume X, Issue 2373, 6 May 1891, Page 3

PROHIBITION.

TO THE EDITOR. SIE, —Most of your readers will have perused Bishcp Julius' address to the TJnionists at Christchurch on Sunday, and will feel thankful that we have such a man jn our midst. He gives no uncertain sound as to his opinions about men and things, and m regard to Prohibition he stands on the same grpund as many others, who ask—not "Is it 1 wise t' but "Is it just V What is it we wish to confiscate ? Some, at least, of the lawyejrs ar u e opposed t© his views, holding that a yearly lie«nj»e does not, under its conditions, imply a perpetual license. W* do not seek to destroy the hoi^-r----the public will still need accommodation. Then what v it we wfoh to confiscate? I should like to be informed, If the trade of a pwblican be needful for fche welfare of a community, then it cannot be done without; if it be injurious, why should we pay blackmail for putting a stop to it? Publicans should blush to ask us. The Bishop tells us, and wisely, to look after our children's training. Now, does not the State stand m the

same relation to the en munity as cJo»^ the head of a housihol: to his family ': What then shall be said of those who require the expenses of the household of tlu State to be met m part out of the proceeds of the failings of its children ? Tc what are the excise duties applied ? Like many another good man, the Bishoj.wifthe* us to move slowly, but chains will never educate for freemen, nor povert) teach how to use plenty, and if the iiMsst .- are to be the masters, then, m the nann of safety, abolish drink, and let us liavi sober law-makers. Thanking you foi space granted, I am, etc., A Worker.