THE CHALLENGE TO MR DALRYMPLE.

Bush Advocate, Volume XXI, Issue 117, 16 November 1908, Page 5

THE CHALLENGE TO MR DALRYMPLE.

(To the Editor.) Sir, — In view of a possible disturbance which might prevent my being .heard at the Drill Hall to-night, would you kindly permit me to place the following facts before the public:— A challenge was sent to me to debate the failure of No-license with the Key. Mr Thomas at the Drill Hall tonight. Thct Drill Hall had, as the challengers knew, been engaged by the Waipawa Licensed Victuallers' Association, and, even had I desired to accept the challenge, I could not have used the Drill Hall without the sanction of the W.L.V.A., which body, I ass\une, hired the hall so that the people might have the.opportunity of hearing arguments in favor of License. Those of the clergy who support No-license .have at all times their pulpits available for that purpose. No sensible man or woman will deny that the proper way to deal with this important question i* by appealing to the reason of the people, not to their passions.. , Band music is not argument, however it may stimulate the xinreasoning impulses. May I say that the proposal to hold a. No-license rally on the section adjoining the Drill Hall is to be deprecated. There are many other places equally suitable for the purpose, where the conflicting elements would be less likely to come into contact. The clergymen of Dannevirke have sufficient influence to prevent the creation of circumstances which would be likely to result in a breach of the peace, and it is surely right that they should use that influence to prevent what might bring disgrace on tho good name of Dannovirke. ; — I am, etc., J. W. DALRYMPLE. Nov. 16, 1908.