29 NOVEMBER 1963, Page 43

Non-Alcoholics Anonymous

There must surely be sonic place though out of Ireland's island space that is properly a social place but is not a pub place?

There must surely be some talk though away from Irish tall talk that is stimulating witty talk but is not pub talk?

There must certainly be some poets even among Ireland's word spinners one might meet in other surroundings than esoteric, public houses?

There must be some living and loving that is memorably living and loving not born of or blunted by tippling or by self-contempt as in Ireland blighted?

Yet show me some other life more companionable than Irish pub life? Show me sonic social place more stimulating than the Irish public house without the drink and the drink's price?

EWART MILNE