RESTORATION OF LICENSES

Wairarapa Age, Volume XXXII, Issue 10493, 2 December 1911, Page 5

RESTORATION OF LICENSES

AND WELFARE OF MASTERTON

AN INTERESTING CURTAINRAISER.

At the meeting held in Murray's Hall, MastertoiT, last evening, of those interested '"in the welfare of Masterton and restoration of licenses," a number of No-License advocates wore present. The Chairman (Mr E. G. Eton) said that he noticed 'among the audience; some who were working with the NoLicense party. Before proceeding to the election of a committee, for which the meeting had been, specially called, he asked these gentlemen to retire. The Rev. J. E. Parsons said lie and others believed the meeting was called of those who had at 'heart the welfare of 'Masterton. He claimed to be among this number. This statement was received with derisive groans. The Chairman, called for order, and invited Mr Parsons to come forward. Mr Parsons responded, and stated that he had fully believed that all having at heart the welfare of Masterton had been invited. He proceeded to state that he could not see how the I welfare of JVfasterbom and the restoral tion of licenses could be linked together. &/• ■ The speaker was inxorrupted by the jeers of the audience. Proceeding, Mr Parsons said that, having discovered the puiport of the meeting, he would willingly retire, and he had no doubt that those with .the some views would act similarly. - The Chairman stated emphatically that a]>rthose who remained must be identified with the movement for the restoration of licenses. .. Mr Parsons and about thirty members of the audience then retired, and I the meeting proceeded.