“The Evils of No-License.”

Manawatu Herald, Volume XXVIII, Issue 3603, 28 November 1905, Page 3

“The Evils of NoLicense.”

MR HEAGERTY AT THE PUBLIC HALL. Mr Dan Heagerty, a much travelled gentleman of forceful speech, delivered a rather lengthy address at the Public Hall on Sunday evening last to a large audience on “The Evils of No-License.” Amongst his audience were several ladies and numerous Prohibitionists. There was little interruption aimed at the speaker’s remarks, on only one occasion he being questioned, whilst applause was frequent. His arguments in * main were basal on ;. r „ lcls a s U noted men and wr | ti „ gSi and these oratorically delivered m a dramatic fash fob, Which bespoke muck talent. Mr Heagerty contended that it was not likely that the temperance-lecturing advocates perambulating the colony at present would do anything else but quote figures and facts, (as they say), must compel the country to accept prohibition. They were paid servants, making their living out of the temperance party, and it was not likely they would advocate other than they did, but he (speaker) objected to them picturing only one side of the question—-the gloomy side. Mr Heagerty agreed that a percentage of the misery prevalent in the colony was caused through liquor, but would the carrying of “NoLicense” prevent that misery. He said not, and quoted Ashburton as an argument, where sly-grog-selling cases were being unearthed continually. If these dipsomaniacs wanted drink they would get it, despite all the laws that could ever be created by man. It was to the moderate drinker he aimed the text of his subject—not the Prohibitionist, who was quite right to have his own opinion. But he merely wished to show the moderate drinker that he should not be denied his freedom. Why, who were the most clever race, and what race produced the finest set of men, in every department of life, in the world? All would agree that it was the Anglo-Saxon race. Yes, and that Anglo-Saxon race were possibly the greatest wine, spirit, and liquor-drinking race on the face of the globe, Mr Heagerty contended that what Foxton misery there was would not become extinct under “NoLicense,” and concluded an interesting speech by urging upon the moderate drinker to take a broad-minded view of the effects of Prohibition before casting his vote at the local option poll. Look at the question from both sides ? was his advice. The speaker received a hearty vote of thanks for his address.