The Diminution of Crime

in the districts in which "No-Licence" has been carried prove that drink is, in New Zealand at least, the main cause of all crime, misery and degradation.

In spite of the efforts of the Temperance Party and the habits of the people, the drink bill for the Dominion was increasing per head until last year. Compared with older countries it is very small, being only £311s. 1½d. per head. The quantity consumed compared with the United Kingdom was—New Zealand 10 gallons of beer; United Kingdom 26 gallons per head. Wine and spirits were very much less than Britain, as they are not very much used. The decrease in the amount of liquor that is consumed by temperate people, and the large number of total abstainers, makes it appear as if there must be a good deal of drunkenness amongst those who are the main consumers of alcohol. The evidences of the diminution of crime in the "No-Licence" districts shows clearly the beneficial effect of the abolition of the drink traffic.

The following comparative statement will show the decrease in crime in the "No-Licence" districts.

Clutha.—The number of all offences, except in law cases, for the last ten years under "Licence," was 292, compared with 122 during the first ten years under "No-Licence"; while in the portion of Clutha likely to be more influenced by the drink the figures are respectively 251 and 81.

In Clinton (part of Clutha) all police offences for the last seven years "Licence" numbered 157, and for the first seven years "No-Licence" 41.