The names of those participating in the military debate on Sunday March 10th at 2pm to be held at the historic Powder Magazine Hobart Domain have been released.
The debate statement is: “That Harry (Breaker) Morant and Peter Handcock deserve a pardon”.
Organiser of the event, Mr Reg A. Watson, Tasmanian historian and author, said that there shall be two teams of two people each.
He said that on the affirmative team there will be:
• DAMON THOMAS – LORD MAYOR OF HOBART.
• GREG BARNS – BARRISTER AND COLUMNIST
On the Negative team there will be:
• DAVID GOODRICK, ex Toastmaster and Toastmaster President and military historian enthusiast
• MICHAEL FIGG – ex Toastmaster and military historian enthusiast.
Reg Watson will be MODERTOR.
“The event has been arranged to stimulate interest in military history,” said Mr Watson. “Even though both Morant and Handcock were executed during the Boer War in South Africa a hundred and ten years ago, it is still a controversial subject, “he said.
Both soldiers were executed in February 1902 for shooting Boer prisoners. Morant and Handcock served with the Australians, although Morant was English born.
“With the quality of speakers making up the two teams, it will be a most interesting afternoon.”
The affair should take about two hours, said Mr. Watson with audience participation after the formal debate.
Parking will be available at the TCA grounds car park and toilet facilities from the western gate will be opened at the TCA venue as well.
The historic Powder Magazine (full title H.M. Victoria Powder Magazine) was built in 1851 and is on the National Estate and is controlled by the National Parks and Wildlife. The site is managed by the SSAA Militaria Collectors Tasmania Inc. The sandstone building was built by the Royal Engineers and was used until 1974.
Mr Watson said this is the first time that he is aware that such an event is to be held in Tasmania.
“I am looking for a stimulating, but civilised debate,” he added.
Reg A. Watson
