MR L. M. ISITT MAKES MR W. THOMSON AN OFFER.

Evening Star, Issue 13091, 26 October 1908, Page 6

MR L. M. ISITT MAKES MR W. THOMSON AN OFFER.

TO THE EDITOR. Sir, —After three years’ absence I return to Dunedin to find Air Wm. Thomson, whom I had such difficulty in inducing to debate prior to the last ‘No-license poll, doing the Goliath business on behalf of the liquor hosts, but on lines that any intelligent man must recognise effectively preclude his challenge being accepted. At this late date it is impossible to verify or confute Air Thomeon’s figures by reference to America, and those of ue who have visited America know that the success or non-success of No-license in the States is not to be determined by statistics quoted in connection with, some one or other of the towns where for the while, owing to an inactive executive, No-licenso has been an absolute dead letter. We have never disputed the fact that, while taking the State over, Prohibition is a splendid uuccesß in Alaine; there are certain of the towms that, owing to an alternation of political parties, are now wot, now dry, according as anti-liquor or liquor men hold the civic positions. Is it not a tremendous confession of weakness that the champion of the licensed bar should limit his challenge in the way he does? For the next five nights I shall be speaking in the Garrison Hall. If Air Thomson is confident of his position I will furnish him with a magnificent opportunity. Wo are paying all expenses of hall and advertising. Air Thomson can come on any or all of the five nights. I will give him half an hour to my twenty-five minutes, turn and turn about, and debate any aspect of the No-license question he chooses to start on. Will Air Thomson accept a challenge that I would travel the length of New Zealand to avail myself of if any authenticated representative of the Liquor party would issue it? The public will watch Air Thomeon’s action, and form their own conclusion.— I am, etc., LEONARD M. ISITT. (By arrangement.)