Y.M.C.A. DEBATING CLUB.

Manawatu Standard, Volume LIII, Issue 243, 11 September 1933, Page 9

Y.M.C.A. DEBATING CLUB.

On Monday the Y.M.C.A. Debating Club held a debate at the Bunnythorpe Hall, at the request of the newly-f-ormed Bunnythorpe Debating Club, who were anxious to observe the correct procedure of conducting a meeting. There was a. large attendance in the hall. The subject was “Free Trade A r ersus Protection,” the speakers being : Free Trade, Messrs L. P. Hardy (leader) and A. S. Muirhead; Protection, Messrs M. AA 7 illiamson (leader) and G. A. Brown. The chairman, Mr O. Jackson, after apologising for the absence of Mr F. J. Nathan, said that although the Bunnythorpe Club had been formed rather late in the season they hoped to hold several more debates before the end of the year. They were indebted to the Y.M.C.A. Club for coming over to show them how to conduct a meeting.

Mr Hardy, opening the case for free trade, used the words of a local economist, “I am an unrepentant freetrader.” “It is quite unnecessary to dwell on the benefits of free trade,” said Mr Hardy. “Apart from the fact .that protection forces up the cost of living, the condition of Europe, duo to the ever increasing tariff walls, is sufficient proof of the evils of protection. International trade is now regarded as international warfare.” “Protection,” said Mr AA 7 illiamson in his opening speech, “suggests security. No country with the interests of its people at heart would dare embark on a deliberate policy of free trade, for protection is the only way to ensure a decent standard of living.” Protective tariffs, the speaker went on, are essential for the development of the secondary industries of a country. It would be better for people to have the money to buy their

goods at a slightly higher price than lor th© majority of the population to be unemployed. In 1930 the revenue from Customs duties in New Zealand was £7,000,000. If this sum were not available it would have to be made up by taxation of the public. Mr Muirhead was of the opinion that by taxing imports we were actually taxing ourselves, while Mr Brown said that if we had need of an industrv we should be prepared to protect it. Both leaders replied to the various points in their opponents speeches, and the debate was then thrown open to the public, a large number of those present taking the opportunity to speak on the subject. Mr H. W. Klein, as chairman of the Y.M.C.A. Club, thanked the Bunnythorpe Club for their hearing of the teams. A hearty rote of thanks to the Y.M.C.A. Club w:* carried bv acclamation, the hope being expressed that a debate could be arranged shortly between the two clubs. A dainty supper, served by the ladies of the Bunnythorpe committee, concluded the evening.