19 SEPTEMBER 1970, Page 6

Lament

CHRISTOPHER HOLLIS

A recent report by the Medical Council of Alcoholism estimates that there are at least 300,000 sufferers from the disease.

It's said the alcoholic curse Is getting daily worse and worse.

It's very very sad to think That all of us will die of drink.

A third of a million, so they say, Booze without ceasing every day.

The lucky die, but some contrive To drink and still remain alive.

Life knows no drier melancholic Than the past-rescue alcoholic.