THE PLUNKET MEDAL.

Dominion, Volume 5, Issue 1552, 23 September 1912, Page 6

THE PLUNKET MEDAL.

FOR ORATORY. ■ STUDENTS' COMPETITION. Eight years ago Lord Plunkut, then Governor of New Zealand, presented to the Victoria College Debating Society, for anniiiil competition, a' mednl for the encouragement of oratory. The annual competition is open to the public, and is usually an interesting event. Saturday evening was tho occasion of the 1912 contest, which was held in the Concert Chamber, tho hall being packed to tho doors by a gathering which consisted mainly of undergraduates (who took-pos-session of the gallery), graduates, and 'parents.and friends of the students. llr. W. J. M'Eldowney, -chairman of the Debating Society, presided, and there were present on the platform: His Excellency tho Governor (Lord Islington), the Hon. Jus. Allen (Minister for Defence and Education), tho Hon. A. L. Herdman (Minis--ter for Justice), the Mayor (Mr. D. M'Lnrfcn), and members of the Professorial Board. ' The orations were for the , most part in serious vein, but the gallery saw to it that. the audience below were relieved from dulness, while at the same time according the budding orators a fair hearing —interjections being reserved for more venerable speakers who came afterwards. ■ Matter and Eloquence. There were eight candidates,' each of whom was allowed ten minutes wherein to deliver himself of his oration. In accordance with the conditions, each candidate came forward with a prepared speech dealing with the life and personality of some particular character in history, and, ns was to be expected, there was exhibited bv several a tendency towards platitudinous eulogies which are so de-. , pressing a feature of biographical studies for the young. At least two of the candid dates broke away from what one mus'; assume to be, for these. occasions, a conventional understanding of what is required from competitors, and introduced matter which not only presented mor<! in-, timnte glimpses of the personality of their subjects, but also interested .and entertained thpir audience. These competitors undoubtedly realised tho importance of the principle, subsequently alluded to by one of the judges, that the-merit-of-a $peech depends, firstly, upon the matter which it contains—that empty eloquence convinces not. It was unfortunate, though not altogether tragic, that he who had probably the best matter made the poorest showing as an orator. But he entertained his audience.

The Candidates and the Judges. . The eight candidates were, with their subjects:-Mr. V. C. Mazengarb, ir.A. (Daniel O'Connell); Mr. A. E. Caddick, M.A.-'(Johri Milton); Mr. E. Evans (Count Camillo Di Cavour); Mr. J. F.' Stevenson (John Hampden); Mr.'G.-G.'G. Watson (William the Silent); Mr. E. H. Quilliam (C..J. Fox); Mr. C. A: L. Treadwcll (Sir George Grey); and Mr. G. C. Jackson (Jean'Jacques^Rousseau). ■ . "■» Tho judges, Dr. T. H. Sprott (Bishpp of Wellington), and .Messrs. E. Tregear and A. R ; .'- A'tkinson;. sat in the body 'of the hall, , and .at the conclusion of the speeches conferred-for a considerable time, during which the' College Glee Club, in tkV-gal-lery, entertained the people below' with capping songs. The intervals between tho musical items were filled in by, tho gallery wits, who addressed engaging pleasantries to their elders on the platform, and occasionally bestowed gratuitous compliments upon the waiting candi- , dates, whose suspense was at last ended by the appearance of the jndges ontho platform, and'the announcement, by Mr. A. R; Atkinson, of tho results. • ,

Mr. Mazengarb Placed First.\ Mr. Atkinson, speaking for'the" judging' committee, complimented the speakerson their efforts, and remarked that there was a little too much deadly seriousness all through. The matter, which was the first consideration, wns more typical of the essay than of oratory—the speeches lacked spontaneity. The studies of Grey and Rousseau we're, brighter, each subject being candidly discussed by the speaker, , in a free and entertaining style. Mr.. Mazengarb, whose fluency of expression arid easy delivery suggested a kissing acquaintance with the Blarney Stone.

"Who's she?" inquired a voice from the gallery, amid laughter. Mr. Mnzengarb, continued Mr. Atkinson, had been awarded the medal. (Loud applause.) The • winner's'',- matter was, good, although perhaps'not the best. It was interesting and well put, while his delivery was far ahead of the .others. (Applause.) His style was emotional, but well governed, while he showed excellent variety of tone. In the use of the pause, also, he was', effective. ',

Mr. Watson was awarded second place. This speaker's matter, said Mr. Atkinson, was excellent, while his delivery was strong, but lacking in variety of tone, being inclined to be monotonous and heavy. (Applause.)

Mr. Treadwell, who was placed third, did not attain so high a standard. He exhibited more freedom in the quality of his matter, as did Jlr. Watson, but lie showed greater freedom of style, more variety in ideas, and less extravagance in eulogiuiu. (Applause.) His on Public Speaking. His Excellency the Governor, who was heartily received, then presented the Plunket Medal, and in congratulating the winner, expressed' his appreciation of the high merit of his matter and style. .All isho had heard him would agree that-Mr. iflazengarb—('Aamazin' gab," prompted a voice from the "gods")—that Sir. Jlazengarb had shown great promise of use'ful and valuable achievement in the domain of public speaking in years to come. (Applause.) The others, too, had shown a meritorious standard of adaptability for public oratory in their eloquent and highly-prepared speeches. As probably the present would be the last opportunity he would have of addressing the students of Victoria College, he would like, with the indulgence of the gallery, to emphasise the value and importance of the public speaker as an influence in the national life. The public speaker was übiquitous. He intruded into flower shows, bazaars. His argument, influenced the political affairs and legislation of the country. "I nm talking of quantity, not quality, gentlemen," said his Excellency, drily amid laughter. He advised youthful orators to cultivate the quality of clear exposition, concise expression, in the presentation of a case, for it was these essentials which influenced the direction of a debate. To thoso who seriously desired to become proficient in the art of public speaking, ho would suggest tho careful study of the speeches of such men, for'exanlple, as Bright and Lincoln. (Applause.) Both were masters of deep thought and -simplicity of expression. In conclusion, his Excellency recalled the sentiments expressed to tire students of Victoria College at their last capping ceremony' by the Right Hon. Sir James Bryce, when.speaking of the relationship which the university should bear towards [ the affairs of the community. The future of all. democracies,' ho said, must lurgGly rest with the educated classes, and here, it was that the influence of the university should be exerted. He wished them all prosperity for the future, and assured them of his permanent interest in . the future of their university...Mr. W. ¥. Word, prosident of tho College Debating Socioty, thanked his Excellency on behalf of the students, and expressed the deep regret of Victoria College that a larger and more important commission in the Imperial service would shortly require his presence in another part of the Empire.