INTER-CLUB DEBATE

Hokitika Guardian, 9 October 1928, Page 3

INTER-CLUB DEBATE

•ST. MARY’S V. COLUMBA. Last evening in St. Mary’s Club Rooms an inter-Cluh debate took place between teams representative of St. Coin in ha Club (Greymoutli) and St. Mary’s (Hokitika). Rev. Father McKay, president of the. latter club, occupied the chair, and there was a good attendance of members, visitors, and a very appreciative audience. The subject for debate’was: —“The advance of science and machinery in modern times lias been a- real benefit to mankind.” St. Mary’s team consisted of Messrs J. Hutchison (leader), J. Lynch. J. Stuart, and J., Stopfortb and the St. Columba, team consisted of Messrs A. McCarthy (leader). L. Phillips, P. Doogan, and B. Older. TTio former team supported the affirmative and the latter championed the negative, and the judges were Rev. Father O’Doherty (Ross), Messrs J. Carroll and M. Keating. Prior to the commencement of the debate Rev. Father McKay on behalf of the St. Alary’s Literary and Debating Society extended a hearty welcome to the visitors. He emphasised the 1 benefits to be derived from such debates as these, and expressed the wish that all present would have a good evening’s enjoyment. The debate then took place, each 'mealier being limited to. five minutes. The contestants throughout acquitted themselves well, each speaker treating the subject from a; different phase. The judges, in summing up, gave their decision in favour of fit. Mary’s, with 297 points, and St. Colunlba with 282 points. The judges complimented the debaters on their fine performance, and although the majority of the sneakers were amateurs, they deserve every credit for their fine showing. The subject matter individually was splendid and showed very careful thought and preparation.

Rev. Father Holohan, on behalf of the Greymoutli members, returned ft.aid's, for the cordial reception given. He complimented the speakers on their fine efforts.' and stated that when a return debate took place he hoped St. Columba would win back the laurels. Mr P. Doogan ably endorsed the remark's of the previous speaker. An impromptu speech ■ comp" tit ton torn took place between the junior members of St. Mary’s Club, for a h. ndsome silver cup donated by Mr P. 'Stephens. The following contest-

•—Me - forth. J. Lynch, J. Stuart, nnd F. Griffin. The sub V-t ret was: “Should the Youth of the Nation he trained to Anns?” lunch speaker treated the su'ldect -well, aod in conch tsr-n the winner proved to lie Mr J* Stopfortb, with Mr J. Hutch iron second. t,j their comments the iud«/e« whti-•-1 compliment the winner on his ‘■nlendjd exhibition. stating that he covered the ground very well and left •io do'cib-t in the minds of his listenAi whv +b.e “Youth of the Country dm ;Id not to train" i to. Arms.” Mr P. Stephens, the doimr of the cun. was thm called n.non to present the. cup which was done amid hearty applause. A short musical programme then ook place, the following contribnt'ng: Rec- 1 a; 1 '"p, “ T ’/' Bey; '’rot*'"!' Steuben : musical monologue. “Not Understood,” Mr J. Lviuh: recitation, “Kelly’s Dream,” Mr W. VfoCjJ j*ii tli ; p'"' v ?Qr, Sli ip of IVI r Oe*iKlit,” Tt. H-ilWlv; recitation. “Murnhv Shall not Sing To-night,” Mr O. D ’/ids m: so’\g. “Someone ■p •- ,| j it l 11, Ale IV’ficdiK.” Miff M. Pad' 1 : .•c'-itation, “The Pl-tuW ” Air O'. Morn-; s'mg, “Of All fieotouilbcrs.” >.r;.- s m, TTannahan ; recitation. “The Winding 1 iiuie.” Mr ■{. O’Donnell. Afiso’s M. Giese, A. Daly and AT. T.vmli acted ac accompanists. At the conclusion of the programme At,. G. AYorinington returned thanks on behalf of the members of St. Alary’s Club. He expressed great satisfaction with the evening’s performance, and was very grateful to the judges for their splendid .criticisms. A dainty supper was then served bv the ladies, and the hall was then cleared for dancing, the music for which was supplied by' Crough’s Orchestra, of Kokatahi.