KAITI DEBATING SOCIETY.

Gisborne Times, Volume XXIX, Issue 3193, 12 April 1911, Page 7

KAITI DEBATING SOCIETY.

LICENSE OR NO-LICENSE. SOME- INTERESTING ARGUMENTS. The question, License v. No-License, was the subject chosen for debate at the Haiti Debating Society meeting on Monday evening. In opening for No-license, the leader traced the growth of excess in drink and its attendance evils. It resulted in additions to the amount of crime, lunacy, and suffering, which were a burden on those who- did not drink. He quoted statistics in support of his statements. His opponent, in speaking for license, also quoted statistics for the other side-.. Next he referred to the liberality of these- engaged in the liquor trade. _He instanced the Customs revenue derived from drink; the amount of money circulated in a public house as against a private boarding-house ; and the benefits to the travelling public of the open bar and public house. The next speaker fer No-li-cense held his hearers in- wrapt attention with- a further elaboration upon the evils of drunkenness- as shown bv Iris leader. The second speaker for Lccensa- dealt chieflv with the question of the liberty of the subject. He considered it a grcc-s- travesty of justice that- a section of the people- should be ale wed to dictate to- the rest as to what they should drink. The third speaker for No-License appealed to his hearers as -manly -men to deny themselves a little- for the benefitof these without the strength to curb an abnormal desire for drink. The third speaker for License endeavored to show the estrangement that bad come about amen - mankind through the harsh measures of the prohibition -movement. He drew attention- to the- pleasing effect wine had upon the senses and the festive feeling it produced. The leaders, speaking in reply, rebutted the arguments, and instanced-faults of tlr-eir opponents. Unon a. ballot being taken the-License party -won by nine votes to five for the No-License party.