REV R. S. GRAY

Wairarapa Age, 20 November 1919, Page 5

REV R. S. GRAY

ADDRESS IN MASTERTON. The Kev. R. S. Gray, who is wellknown as one of the foremost speakers in the Prohibition movement, addressed a largely attended meeting last night in the Municipal Hall, Masterton, when he received an excellent hearing.

Mr. T. F. Watson was in the chair, and briefly introduced the speaker. The Ecv. Mr. Gray, who was loudly applauded upon rising to speak, stated that he was very pleased to address a Masterton audience, as Masterton was a no-license district, and he felt sure the town was going to put on. a bigger majority for Prohibition than ever at tho coming election. The speaker referred to the alleged misrepresentation to the soldiers by the Moderate League during the recent referendum upon the liquor question. He gave the leaders of the Moderate League tho lie direct, and stated that he wished tho statement to be published in every paper in the Dominion. Mr. Gray strongly deprecated the efforts of the Liquor Party in using the returned soldiers and their badges upon posters. Tho speaker referred to the action of tho United States and Canada in cutting out liquor, and traced the Prohibition movement in those countries. Mr. Gray claimed that tho United States had cut out the liquor traffic on economic grounds. America had a great advantage commercially, owing to the war, over Great Britain, and the speaker claimed that, with the additional advantage of increased efficiency, the United States was out to capture the. commerce of the world.

Mr. Gray urged his hearers to vote National Prohibition at the coming poll, and then if State Control is desired, to take a poll in three years' time, and establish State Control at no cost to tho country.

In conclusion, the speaker detailed his experiences in the American dry State of Kansas.

Mr. James McGregor proposed a vote of thanks to tho speaker, which was carried by acclamation. The gathering then dispersed, after singing the National Anthem.