14 MAY 1927, Page 17

[To the Editor of the SPECTATOR.] SIR,—As the figures quoted

from a statement of the Home Secretary by your correspondent, the Rev. Harold Bucke, are likely to convey a wrong impression as to the state of sobriety in London, may I draw your readers' attention to another set of figures Sir William Joynson-Hicks issued more recently ? He stated that the convictions for drunkenness in 1926 were less than one half of what they were in 1913.

The figures were as follows :—

METROPOLITAN DISTRICT.

Males.

Females.

1913 .. 47,900 • • 16,883 1925 .. 23,197

6,384 1926 .. .. 22,631

6,226 A really wonderful move in the right direction !—I am, Sir, &c.,

C. W. SIMONS.

27 Meads Road, Wood Green, N. 22.