REPLY TO “TOTAL ABSTAINER.”

Gisborne Times, Volume XXVI, Issue 2334, 29 October 1908, Page 7

REPLY TO “TOTAL ABSTAINER.”

[To the Editor.] Sir.—ln your issue of October 2Gth, one signing herself “Total Abstainer’’ makes an appeal to the people and to her fellow women in particular, not to "rote for a- measure that will the effect of closing the open ' bar. The paramount fear in her mind being that the frequenter of the bar that now is will, when de—prived of this resort, bring his assor ciates home with a _ quantity _of liquor and convert his home into a bear garden. _ With regard l to jail women not being boss of their own homes this probably is true to a certain extent. At the same time their influence should be sufficient to prevent such a state of things happening, and there are few men, I think, degraded enough to wish to subject c, their wives and children to the scenes ediich constantly occur in the, bar, and secondly, many a weak minded individual would be saved were this awful temptation removed, from (his path. As to the whereabouts of the husband, when “No-license” is carried there ought to he no difficulty in locating him, as more than likely he will he found in his own home. ' If he ho determined to have liquor at all costs the "sly grog shop will, be there to supply liis demands. It is a well ■known- fact, however, that these exist in plenty under present conditions, and when “No-license” is carried it he easier to sheet the crime home : to, the offender than it is at present. Resides, the sly grog shop does not afford the facilities for drinking that the open bar does, consequently there must be fewer victims to the miqui.tous traffic. Let me say in conclusion the first thought that struck me on coming to the end of “Total Abstainer’s” letter was the incongruity of the si gnat if re with the sentiments expressed, I am, ' »•••„„„ w „ v „ Gisborne, Oct, 27th.