UNITED DEBATING CLUB

Grey River Argus, 23 September 1937, Page 3

UNITED DEBATING CLUB

ANNUAL SOCIAL. The members of United Debating Club held a closing down social last evening to mark the conclusion of the 1937 season. The President, Mr. R. R. Dawber, presided and extended a welcome to the members of kin'dred Clubs who were present. The (social took the form of a “smoker,” a toast list being interspersed with songs and recitals by Club members and visitors. The toasts honoured were “The King,” proposed by the President; “The United Club,” proposed by Mr. A. E. Langham, President of the Kumara Debating Club, and responded to by Mr. J. Booth; “The McLean Cup Winner,” proposed by Mr. C. Mosley, responded to by Mr. D. C. Milne; “Club Cup Winner,” proposed by Mr. C. J. Strongman and responded to by Mr. W. S. Sheppard; “The Judges,” proposed by Mr. P. Curran, responded to by Messrs R. T. Bush, W. M. Stewart, and A. M. Carroll; “Kindred Clubs,” proposed by Mr. A. H. Ihle, responded to by Messrs Carroll, Langham, MacMillan and Bush; “Kent Honours’ Board teams,” proposed by Mr. W. Steer, responded to by Mr. T. Learmont; “New Members,” proposed by Mr. T. Sotheran; “The Triers,” proposed by Mr. D. C. Milne; “The Visitors,” proposed by Mr. Shapcott, responded to by Messrs R. Williams and J. Quinn (Blackball); “The Press,” proposed by Mr. H. Morgan, responded to by Mr. A. Weaver. In proposing “The Secretary,” Mr Dawber, President, expressed. regret at losing the services of Mr. A. H. Ihle, who was under transfer to Christchurch, for which place he would be leaving shortly. He commended the good work Mr. Ihle had done and said his duties were so well performed that his place would be hard to fill. He moved that Mr. W. S. Sheppard be elected in Mr. Ihle’s place, and this was carried unanimously. In proposing “Our Life Member,” Mr. S. B. Quintrell commended the good example of Mr. J. Booth in his keenness as a Club member as well as his ability as a speaker. Mr. Booth, reply-

ing in jocular vein, remarked that his elevation to the honour had come at a time when members had the idea that he was in bad health. He would last perhaps a further two years, but he was still alive and well and enjoying the honour to the full. During the evening songs were sung by Messrs Quintrell, Stewart, and R. G. Stevenson, while all present joined in a “community sing,” recitations being given by Messrs T. Learmont and J. McDonald. Supper was provided, and the function brought to a close with “Auid Lang Syne.”