THE HUTT DEBATING SOCIETY.

Hutt News, Volume 3, Issue 9, 24 July 1930, Page 12

THE HUTT DEBATING SOCIETY.

For some weeks past the Hutt Debating Society has 'been- holding its "Wednesday night meeting in the River Board Chambers under the tutelage of Mr. W. P. Rollings. The subjects discussed haye been of a wide and varied nature ranging, in fact, from Adam to Arapuni. The abolition of compulsory; ■military training and the desirability of free trade with the Empire have been, debated at length whilst the. right to claim damages in breach of promise cases has been the cause of much facetioußness. Although mucl attention, is paid to the weight of the arguments submitted by either side, the main object of the Society,- to cultivate the a-rt of public speaking, is not lost sight of in the. heat of the debate. Already there, is a distinct improvement in the, standard of oratory.

■.Mr. Boilings, who. -has had much, experience in public speaking.and debating,, gives a. short lecture each- evening on-, some-particular phase of■ these subjects, after ■wMch ; eaeh nieinber de» livers, a prepared speech. or takes part in impromptu speaking or-debating, as the case may be, ;The'tutor criticises the various efforts with, the result that each.member obtains a fair idea of the

progress -lie is making.

JEt has been, trlly said that great speakers axe. made, .not born, and it is hardly necessary to lay stress, upon the importance of good, oratory in the public life of this.Dominion. Although it is-not given .to eyer^- one of.- us. to be Prime Minister of'our fair land^ yet it is cii. sirablo 'hot each,one should hayo ( a sound knowledge of the general principles of public speaking should, Ire desiTo to hold office in any. Committee or Club however few.the duties maybe.

. kt the present, time the mern.V,T=hip of the Society is not as large as it should be in a district of this -size, ..and it is hoped that further new members will be forthcoming before the termination of the course in September next. A small subscription is payable on entry into the Society but ony of our readers who contemplate membership are assured of a substantial rettTn on their investment.