25 DECEMBER 1926, Page 2

The clerical leaders of the " dry " campaign in

Northern Ireland are not hesitating' to denounce Sir James Craig though most of them belong to his party. Mr. Pollock, the Minister of Finance, pointed out lately that if the revenue from drink were sacrificed no other conceivable taxation (except perhaps a special rate of 12s. in the pound) could make up for the loss.. Sir James Craig says firmly that while he is Prime Minister the drink question cannot be re-opened. " We haVe passed a Licensing Act," he said, " which has brought about a great reform. Leave well alone. Ulster is more sober than certain countries where Prohibition is said to prevail. Neither the Trade nor the temperance -advo- cates will persuade me to take up this thorny question again." * * * *