PROHIBITION—AS A WAR MEASURE.
[To THE EDITOR OF THE " SPEOTATOR.1 BIR,—You• propose that "the Government should take over the breweries and distilleries just as they took over the railways, except that they would not work them during the war." As you go on to write of publicans, bar-tenders, potboys, and bar- maids being deprived for the time being of their livelihood, it is clear that you contemplate the taking over to the same extent of the hostelries, inns, &o. Do you realize the boon this would be to the various units now billeted in our country districts, many of whom have to put up with barns, disused saw- mills, &c., for their night quarters, and cannot be accommodated in licensed houses which, except for " the trade," would be the natural places for them to make use of ? When one thinks of the number of houses that would be released for the purpose of housing, and of men, eligible but not indispensable, that would be free either to join the colours or to take the place of those who do, your proposal carries still more weight. After a year of. trial it might be an object-lesson as to whether seventeen licences are really needed in a town of three thousand two hundred inhabitants. That certainly does not lead to economy. —I am, Sir, &c.,
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