FURTHER DEBATE

Bay of Plenty Beacon, Volume 9, Issue 90, 24 June 1946, Page 8

FURTHER DEBATE

YOUNG FARMERS' CLUB

OPOTIKI DEFEATS THORNTON Opotiki . High School last Thursday evening snatched the debating laurels in the present campaign conducted by the Young Farmers' Clubs throughout the Bay, from the Whakatane district leaders in an interesting contest at the Opotiki Schoolhouse. There was a gratifying attendance of adults and not a few ! members of the local club. The actual speeches were a credit to all taking part. The judges (Rev. Liggett and Mr C. Kingsley-Smith) paid a warm tribute to all six speakers and congratulated the Opotiki boys on the care and thought which must have been given their subject. The subject The moral effect of the cinema upon the Community' was handled in the affirmative by the Opotiki team (Messrs. Rasmussen, Abbott and McDonald) and in the negative by the Thornton team (Messrs. M. Law, Craddock and ! Adams). Mr Lincoln Black acted as i chairman . and outlined the conditions of the debate, 10 minutes being devoted to the leaders, seven minutes to subsequent speakers and eight minutes for the leaders to sum up. Some very refreshing points of view .were introduced one of the most telling being that undesirable films' were not the blameworthy cause of making for delinquent children, but that the onus was directly upon the parents of children whose laxity of control allowed them to attend such films. Though most speakers showed signs of nervousness, which after all was. very natural in view of their average age, the standard of subject matter and delivery was surprisingly high. Craddock of the Thornton group was outstanding and must have captured maximum marks but for a sudden break which spoilt his context. His leader, Law, gave a strong assertive speech which won him good points. Adams showed promise as a young speaker but failed to round off his arguments. The Opotiki leader was very sound and confident, and was well supported by Abott whose logic was excellent. McDonald discovered a fluent style and a dry sense of humour. " Points were awarded as under:— Opotiki: Rasmussen, subject matter 35, delivery 18, reasoning 22, gesture 5, total 80; Abbott 33, 20, 21, 6, total 80; McDonald 35, 20, 21, 7, total 83. Team work' 40; summing up 45. Grand total 328. Thornton: Law, subject matter 35, delivery 21, reasoning 21, gesture 7, 'total 84; Craddock 36, 21, 22, 7, total 86; Adams 30, 46, 20, 4, total 70. Team work 38; summing up 46. Grand total 324. At the conclusion a light supper 'was served by the ladies present.