Parliamentary Debates Volume 20 (Paperback)

This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1877 Excerpt: ...a poll every month. For every possible reason I shall vote against this Bill. I acknowledge at once that the evils arising from drunkenness are very great, and that the diseases and crimes which fill our hospitals and gaols are due to intemperance more than to any other thing. But this Bill will not cure the evil. We should improve the status of the people by a thorough colonial system of education. If we educate the masses more, we shall find that the evil will be lessened. Holding these views, Sir, I shall feel it my duty to vote against the second reading. Mr. BARFF.--In speaking upon the second reading of this Bill, I wish the House to understand that I am not a violent opponent of the measure. I am not an opponent of its general principles; but in my opinion it goes too far. It occurs to me that it would be better to attempt something milder during the present session, instead of bringing forward a revolutionary measure like this--revolutionary inasmuch as it proposes suddenly to make a violent change in laws which deal with a very important interest. In making the few remarks I have to make I shall go over new ground, which is probably a somewhat difficult thing to do upon this well-worn subject. I believe there are other means which should be employed for the suppression of intemperance before we attempt such a thorough scheme of reform as this. Would Mr. Sutton it not be better for the Legislature of this colony to endeavour to lead up to the great result which the honorable member for Wanganui proposes to achieve by one stroke? There are a variety of ways in which a greater amount of temperance could be secured than exists at present. As to making a man sober by Act of Parliament, I say it is impossible. We all acknowledge the evil effects of intem...