LAST NIGHTS DEBATE.

Greymouth Evening Star, 20 January 1903, Page 2

LAST NIGHTS DEBATE.

The Opera House was picked to the doors last night on the occasion of the long looked for debate between Mr T. M. Smith and the Eev Mr Tres trail. Mr Guinness, who occupied the chair, in briefly introducing the speakers said the debate was on the correctness or otherwise of statements contained in a manifesto issued by the Licensed Victuallers Association on November 25th and which was as follows“ Libert y! Independence ! Prosperity!—Electors Bewatel —Consider, Electors—Electors scratch out the last two lines —Prohibition means loss of revenue locally of over '£1,500 annually. Also loss of employment, entailing serious hardship to scores of families in this district. Eemember— Experience proves that Prohibition means social and commercial stagnation, increased taxes, sly grog selling and a multitude of evils.—Every Elector vote. Every Elector rote and vote for continuance on Tuesday.” Mr Smith opened the debate and quoted numerous facts, figures and authorities in

support of the manifesto. Mr Trestrail then replied, quoting innumerable facts, figures and authorities in denial of the Licensed Victuallers. The arguments on both sides were mostly of the old stock with which most of our readers are familiar. Daring the debate, the speakers were frequently applauded and at the conclusion were, on the motion of Mr J. B. Merritt, seconded by Mr B. J. Smith accorded a vote of thanks. Mr Merritt announced that £4l Is had been taken at the door, representing 821 persons. With the Government subsidy of 24s to the £ this would give the Hospital £9O 6s. A vote of thinks to the Chairman brought the meeting, which was orderly, to a close.