The Oamaru Mail. FRIDAY, MAY 7, 1915. BETWEEN TWO FIRES.

Oamaru Mail, Volume XL, Issue 12537, 7 May 1915, Page 4

The Oamaru Mail. FRIDAY, MAY 7, 1915. BETWEEN TWO FIRES.

If every newspaper in the Empire were to write every day a protest against the toleration of "drink's interference with the war's operations, the Press would not do more thain its duty. Of what use arc. the perpetual expressions of opinion that the Allies are hound to win, and that Britain is fully bearing her share of ■ the enormous burden of battle if the utmost efforts are not being put forth ? and that they are not is only too obvious. The- head-; of both the Army and Navy have made fervent- and pathetic representations as to the pitiful failure, through drink, of workers in the Clyde and Tyne yards to do their duty. Sir John Jellieoe's letter, which we published on Wednesdaydiscloses facts which are seriously disquieting, to use the phrase of an officer who reported to him. If men refuse to work on Saturday afternoons and "lay off" on "Wednesday afternoons, their .whole attitude is one of muddled obstinacy and callousness. Bear-Admiral Tudor brings sweeping charges against these "wasters" and traitors to the country that has protected and is now defending their liberties. This officer concludes a heavy indictment by alleging that "the worst factors were the facilities which existed for the men to obtain spirits, the. high rate of pay, and : the abundance of employment," and that "opinions on these .points were practically unanimous." These complaints and testimonies are not inspired by sentiment, or so-called teetotal fanaticism. They aie from men who are invested with monumental responsibilities . in connection with an issue that combines the perils and the cruelties of all the world's wars accumulated into one horrifying Aceldama. Of what use is it to expect Kitchener, and Jcllicoe to deliver |the nation out of iis dilemma if there is a coquetting with the enemy through sympathy with the drink which is paralysing their efforts ? What a travesty what a sham to flaunt loyalty when it will not stand the test of the interests which make the reprobates who hiccough their responses to all appeals to do their duty. The Chamberlains are renowned in the. history of our nation ; but one bearing that honored name -said in the Commons:

"It is impossible for the Opposition to accept the licensing proposals." He urged that Mr.Lloyd George "should consult the Trade." The intrepid, gladiatorial champion for all those principles which exalt a nation, accepted, the advice,.and will not act till he has received a deputation from the brewers and distillers. This surrender exhibited no lack of courage. It is merely an evidence of the overawing influence of the diinktradons of Britain. Those who, at this alarming juncture, advocate bickering with the creators of the eneinv which threatens to beat poor humanity in war as in peace, are incapable of rising i:> tile occasion in a -great emergency. We would not be surprised if Kitchener and JellicOe were to declare their insistent-i----on the total abolition of drink dining the war as the price ol' their retention of their onerous positions.