William Lyon Mackenzie King

It is what we prevent, rather than what we do that counts most in Government.

On behalf of the federal government, I wish now publicly to appeal to the provinces to lend their co-operation in furthering our country's war effort by effecting at as early a date as may be possible this much needed restriction.

The greatly increased consumption of alcoholic beverages is very largely a direct result of the increased purchasing power created by wartime expenditures.

Let it be remembered, too, that at a time of war, nearly every one is under great strain.

The anxiety of most parents in seeing their sons and daughters enlist does not lie only in the fear of the physical dangers they may encounter.

As to the advantages of temperance in the training of the armed forces and of its benefits to the members of the forces themselves, there can be no doubt in the world.

I would not wish to imply that most industrial accidents are due to intemperance. But, certainly, temperance has never failed to reduce their number.

Workers in industry are the partners in war of the fighting forces.

In the twelve months immediately preceding the outbreak; of war, the quantity of spirits, both domestic and imported released for sale in Canada, amounted to over three and a half million proof gallons.

Each year, therefore, a dollar spent on alcoholic beverages has purchased a smaller quantity.

Since the outbreak of war, there has been in our country a steady increase in the consumption of spirits, wine and beer. It is estimated that in dollar volume, the annual outlay is now practically double what it was before the war.

The increased consumption of alcoholic beverages in Canada since the outbreak of war is one evidence of this.

No one will deny that the excessive use of alcohol and alcoholic beverages would do more than any other single factor to make impossible a total war effort.

From the outset of the war, the Canadian people have clearly shown that it is their desire to help in every way to make Canada's war effort as effective as possible.

Once a nation parts with the control of its credit, it matters not who makes the laws.

Every hour of useful work is precious.

If I am outspoken of the dangers of intemperance to members of our armed forces, it is because we are all especially concerned for the welfare of those who are risking their lives in the cause of freedom.

The politician's promises of yesterday are the taxes of today.

Fortunately, the Canadian people in all their habits, are essentially a temperate people.

For one cause or another, it has become necessary to impose restrictions upon the use of many commodities, including not a few of the necessities of life.