INTER-CLUB DEBATE

Hokitika Guardian, 31 October 1928, Page 4

INTER-CLUB DEBATE

ST. MARY’S (HOKITIKA) y. ST

COLUMBA

There was a large gathering at St. Columba Club (Greymouth) last night when the St. Mary’s Club (Hokitika) paid a return visit to Greymouth to engage members of the St. Columba Club in a debate. The subject was: “That the Press is the Servant of the People.” St. Mary’s team took the affirmative and St Oolumba’s the negative. The speeches were : St. Oolumba, Messrs P. Doogan (leader), B. Older, T. Phillips and C. O’Neill; St. Mary’s, Messrs Hutchison (leader), J. Keller, F. Groufsky and J. Griffin. The speeches were closely followed by the audience, and showed careful study, many of the arguments l advanced being very sound. In summing up, the judge Mr P. T. Bush, stated that the negative speakers showed their superiority in the debate mainly by the fact that they were seasoned speakers while the affirmative speakers were young men who were just starting. St. Mary’s had the heavier end of the argument, and acquitted themselves well. Some very constructive criticism was given by Mr Bush, which was much appreciated.

He awarded the points as follows: St. Columba 299 St. Mary’s .. .. .. 211 Messrs Hutchison and Doogan, the leaders, returned thanks to the judge. St. Oolumba’s Club were also successful in ping-pong and billiard matches played between the representatives of both Clubs,, and after a very enjoyable evening the visitors later returned home by motor.