THE LICENSING FIGHT.

Mataura Ensign, 9 November 1908, Page 3

THE LICENSING FIGHT.

| EXCITING TIMES IN CHRISTCHURCH. PEB UNITED PBESS ASSOCIATION. CHRISTCHUUCH, Nov. 9. Tho Rev. Win. Thomson tried to address an anti-prohibitionist meeting in Cathedral Square on Saturday afternoon, but notwithstanding the pleadings of the Rev. R. S. Gray with the audience to give Mr Thomson a hearing, the latter had to desist and a meeting advertised for the same place on Sunday afternoon was not held, Mr Thomson fearing a repetition oi the scenes of Saturday liight. However, he spoke in His Majesty's in the evening, getting a good hearing, and tlie speech is. reported to the extent of four columns in the 'Lytteltou Times,' and is inserted as an advertisement. The Rev. L. M, Isitt spoko in tho same theatre on Sunday afternoon, on the subject of "The Barj the Barmaid, and the Criterion" (the latter referring to tlie scandal a year ago, when the licensee had to transfer his license aud the name of the hotel was changed to the Dominion). The meeting was enthusiastic, and resolutions were passed against the liijuor trade and asking for legislation against the further employment of women in bars, except those now employed.