INTER-CLUB DEBATE

Hokitika Guardian, 11 June 1929, Page 3

INTER-CLUB DEBATE

ST. MARY’S V. ST. COLUMBA. Last, evening St. Mary’s Club Rooms held a crowded audience to hear the inter-club debate between representative teams from St. Mary’s and St., Columba. The debate was the first of a series for the Stuart Challenge Cup, a handsome trophy donated by Mr and Mrs D. Stuart for competition among the members of the above Clubs. As was the case last year, when the first inter-club debate took place, great interest was manifest, and throughout the debate was followed with rapt attention.

The proceedings opened with n short musical programme, the items of which were pleasingly rendered and evoked much appreciation from the audience. The following contributed: —.Misses .M. Bald, M. Hanrahan, Messrs T. and J. Stopforth, and T. Hatch. Misses A. Daly and M. Bald wore the accompanists. Prior to the commencement of tho debate, Mr J. Hutchison, the President of St. Mary’s. Club, welcomed the visitors and wished them every success in the contest.

Mr P. Doogan, President of St. Col urn ha Cluh, returned thanks and voiced sentiments of success to St. Mary’s.

The debate, “That woman should have the same freedom as men have to indulge in commercial and professional pursuits,” then took place. The following contested: —St. Mary’s (affirmative): Messrs J. Hutchison (leader), J. Stop forth, T. Donovan, and 0. Wormington ; St. Columba (negative): Messrs P. Doogan (leader), B. O’Halloran, L. Phillips, and C. O’Neil. The debate throughout was evenly contested. The members had a good knowledge of the subject, which showed much careful thought and preparation. Mr Jeffries judged the contest and said it gave him much pleasure to congratulate the contestants on thoii .fine showing. He pointed .out the usefulness of such societies as debating societies, and said the presence of such a club in the town was a very useful asset. In summing up. he had much pleasure in declaring St. Mary s the winners, the result causing much apniause. The points were: St. Mary’s JIO, St. Columba 336, the win being b v a very small margin. It appears St. Mary’s were slightly superior in the matter brought forward. At the conclusion of the debate, Bev. Father McKay said the result

ras indeed very gratifying and Ithough the opponents were unsuccess-

ful bo wished them success in future '•ontests. He thanked Mr Jeflries for |,is very able judging, those who contributed to the musical portion of the entertainment and all the ladies who gave willing assistance with the supper arrangements.

The oresidents of each Club then re turned thanks for the kidnly sentiments expressed. Mr (J. Wonninglou, on behalf of St. ...ary’s Club, thanked Mr Jeffries for noting as judge, and the audience for their attendance, and the appreciative hearing given. . V

A dainty supper was then dispensed with by the ladies, after which a very enjoyable dance took place, the music •for which was supplied by a willing, band of musicians.