4 DECEMBER 1920, Page 23

An Analysis of the Temperance (Scotland) Act, 1913. By Henry

St. Clair Reid, assisted by James Walker. (Edinburgh : Hodge. 15s. net.)—This instructive book contains a brief sketch of the Scottish licensing law, an elaborate commentary on the Act, a review of Dominion legislation on local option, the text of the Act and the rules made under it. 'rho authors point out that New Zealand provides State purchase and control as an alternative to Prohibition. We imagine that many Scottish temperance reformers now regret that a similar alternative was not provided in the Act of 1913; the House of Lords at the time desired to give the electors the option of having Trust public-houses, but it was rudely rebuffed by the Government of the day.