247 
(at 30° under proof) whilst encouraging the drinking 
of diluted spirits (at 60° under proof). 
(c) Discourage the drinking of highly alcoholic wines 
such as port and sherry. 
It is suggested that the scheme of taxation necessary 
to bring about these changes, whilst causing little or 
no loss of revenue, will be generally welcomed, as it 
will give relief to the average drinker who drinks a 
moderate quantity of beer or diluted spirits because 
he feels thirsty or desires to induce a feeling of mild 
exhilaration. On the other hand, it will check the 
heavy drinker, and especially the drinker of neat spirits. 
A scientific scheme of taxation, once in force, can 
easily be tightened up whenever public opinion admits 
of it. The taxation can be graduated more steeply, 
and ultimately spirits at 30° under proof can be taxed 
out of existence. 
The introduction of differential taxation, coupled 
with a reversion of the hour at which public houses 
are open from 10.30 to 11.30 a.m., is likely to have an 
immediate and substantial effect upon sobriety. On 
the other hand, schemes of reform such as local option, 
even if they include the right of reorganisation on the 
Carlisle model, are not likely to exert a rapid or a con- 
siderable effect. Nevertheless, they ought to be pur- 
sued hopefully, as they will exert a gradual and steadily 
increasing influence on sobriety. 
RECAPITULATION