THE EVILS OF THE DAY.

Oamaru Mail, Volume XXIII, Issue 7372, 21 November 1898, Page 1

THE EVILS OF THE DAY.

TO THE EDITOR. Sir, —In Saturday's issue of the Qtago Daily Times there appeared a long letter on gambling, over the nom de plume of XYZ. The writer evidently seems to think that the vice of gambling is a far more pressing evil than the drink curse, and that our young men do not as a rule Indulge in strong drink. Now, la the first place, it is a great mistake to compare for a moment, the vice of gambling with that of drinking, for the desire for the former comes from within, the inclination for -gambling being implanted in our natures from the time when we were playing at marbles as little boys. ; But the desire for the fetter (drinking! comes from without, and is entirely an acquired taste, fanned into a flame, and kept thoroughly alive by custom, fashion, and company. In the second place it is a great mistake to say that our young men do noo indulge in alcoholic liquors. What can X Y Zbe thinking of? It is evident that he has never visited the snuggeries and back rooms of our colonial drink shops, for if he had he would soon have been undeceived on this point. If it were only the elder members of society who drank, than the drinking custom would soon come to an end. But, as it is, the old topers die out one after another, and, to fill np these vacancies in the ranks of the some who were once so called' moderate drinkers take their place. I am, etc.,, Libereas.