DEBATING SOCIETY.

Gisborne Times, Volume XXV, Issue 2121, 2 July 1907, Page 2

DEBATING SOCIETY.

A Rood attendance, a box full of questions, and an ; nniplitudo of spoakors rendered last night’s proceedings at the Debating Sooioty very interesting. Tho Bov. Dawson Thomas presided. “Should the ratepayers of tlio Waiapu County bo called upon to pay an oxtra rate for tho outer harbor P” was the question that fell to Mr. T. A. Coleman. Ho answered in tho affirmative, contending that the country pooplo rocoived port facilities for tlioir products, and should

iustlv pay towards tho upkeop. Mr. MoLgan iloalt with a query concerning a baro majority, vote on largo political and social questions. He argued that a baro majority should bo accoptod .as tho people’s mandato. A hitch occurred over the question. “Ib spiritualism an established fact?” The person handing it in was caroful to acid that ho wanted the subject treated from a scientific and not a religious standpoint. Mr. Carr, to whom it was relegated, did not soom over-anxious to tacltlo tho subject, remarking vaguely that it might offend somebody’s tender suscoptibmtios. The chairman rulod tho question out of order, so tho alleged tender suscoptibiltios oscapod any griev-

ous hurt. , , “May Marriage ho a l! allure t was the peculiarly-worded question assignod to Mr. Bloore. Ho cantiouslv said it “may” or it “mayn t (laughter). Though a bachelor who had attained to years of ripe judgment, ho was not going to condemn' the married state. (Cheers' from the benedicts.) Looking round he could see plenty of groy-lioadod and baldheaded singlo men, so the decay in their “thatch” could not bo -ut down to matrimonial worries. (Confusion amoncr the bare pates.) Gazing meaningly at several young men, who became considerably embarrassed theroby, tho speaker added he had grave supicions that the problem was boing seriously debated by several of those present; if they had not already “popped tho question” they were about to do so. It was only a ] matter of time, and they would bo ’able to answer the query better than he (Mr. Bloore) could. (Loud blushes among the hearers, and daughter

from tlio benedicts.) '• Mr. lanes had “Billiards as his topic. He coultf not .condemn a fine pastimo; those attached to the game could ho far" worse employed. lo some extent the game was a mental exercise in skill, precision, and accuracy. , . ~ Mr. Lawless grappled manfully with a question about the Native Land Bill. He admitted his inability to deal very ablv with “a problem which the greatest statesmen, the greatest lawyers, the greatest philosophers——(Cries from the back not

to “jiilo on tlio aeony”). Mr. Ladles? wont on to say the position was there were big areas of land lying idle; it was for the Government to devise the necessary machinery. There were various systems to go about it; in fact, he had heard it

whispered in Gisborne that Mr. Carroll was an adept'at the “taihoa’ system. (Laughter.) “Telepathy, or Thought Transference,” found an opponent in Mr. Carr. He scouted tlie idea that it was possible under conditions. As to proofs—pshaw! This subject evoked a spirited disausion later in the evening, Mr. Kimble and others affirming their belief that telepathy could be fostered. A lady member enthusiastically applauded the champions of the belief, but was'too timid to venture into the discussion herself. Some optimistic person put in tlie question, “Is Gisborne tlie Centre of the Earth?” It nearly “floored” the youth who had to wrestle with it.

“f d-d-d-don’t know,” he gasped, amidst delighted laughter. He commenced, however, to flounder out of his depth, and made some mysterious allusions about measuring from Greenwich to Gisborne. The chairman advised him to speak from the standpoint of Gisborne being the hub of the universe. “Well,” admitted Mr. , “it’s not a bad place, but we haven’t got the outer harbor or the trams yet.” Mr. Cecil Lewis agreed that women were ontitled to the franchise, and that the concession had had a good effect upon legislation. Mr, T. Collins seized the chance, and followed up with the logical question re women as members of Parliament. Mr. Lewis hastily replied that he was against ladies entering Parliament. His relexitless questioner demanded reasons. Mr. Lewis was observed to look round for means of escape, but resigned himself to the inevitable. Such remarks as “atmosphere in the House,” “language not. fitforwomen to hear,” were heard in his reply, as well as touching allusions tc “home and fireside,” , “woman’s proper sphere,” and other grey-wliiskered

phrases. Mr. Sheet, the youngest member in the room, had to reply to a query whether the Government should not pay the expenses of those who had been put to trouble and expense through the withdrawal of tile AVaiinata sections. In his reply he pointed out that the Government had no power to do so, and that, in his opinion, the Government had no option but to withdraw the section when the title was found to be imperfect. The chairman complimented him upon his first effort at public speaking. A number of other questions were dealt with, and general debate followed.