THE DIRECT VETO MISSION.

Taranaki Herald, Volume XLII, Issue 9767, 27 July 1893, Page 2

THE DIRECT VETO MISSION.

REV L. M. ISITT'S SECOND LECTURE. Rev L. M. Isitt delivered his second lecture in the Alexandra Hall on Wednesday night, when he took for bis Bubject the regulation of the liquor traffic. There was a good attendance. Mr J. B. Roy, who was in the chair, said that it gave him groit pleasure to occupy the chair that night, for it gave him an opportunity to renow an acquaintance with Mr Isitt which was made many years ago. The subject which Mr Isitt would speak on was one that was occupying the attention of tbe world, and in the Old Country its importance, so far as public interest was concerned, was only second to the Home Rule question. The solution of the question in a fair and speedy way was desirable. lo conclusion he bespoke a fair bearing for the lecturer.

Rev. Mr IbiM, who was received with applause, then proceeded to show that the liquor traffio could not be regulated. He contended that those who administered the licensing law could not regulate tho trade, so great was the influonco of the money monopolists, who worked it. In the United States regulation had entirely failed, In the State of Nebraska tho High License Law had been tripd, and now its chief advocates said it was a failure, and only mcroased the trade, which it was meant to restrict. To prove what he said had a wound basis lie quoted the opinions of statesmen and newspapers on the subject. Tho regulating law had also failed in Canada. He was advised by a newspaper sub-editor of the city of Montreal not to accept tho regulation of the trade as a plank in their platform, but to go in for prohibition. Ihe writer told him that in tho city of Montreal they went in for regulation and reduced the saloons of that city to about 20. What was the result? Tho trade became a huge monopoly. Palatial buildings wore erected; free lunch and free billiards were given; other bus'noases were carried on in connection with the faloons — in short, tho Baloons were more attractive than ever they had been previously. The writer said that the party were now going in for prohibition, after wasting twenty years in trying to regulate tho trade. Mr Isitt advanced other reasons why the trade could not be regulated, and pointed out unmistakably that their plank was prohibition.

Three written questions were handed in, and these Mr laitt said ho would answer on the night he lectured on " Prohibition." The third lecture, which will bo givon to-night, will be preceded by a monster tea, which will be held in the Alexandra Hall