INTER-CLUB DEBATE

Hokitika Guardian, 24 July 1929, Page 6

INTER-CLUB DEBATE

ST. COLUMBA V. ST. MARY’S, HOKITIKA. The second of the series of debates arranged between St. Columba (Greymouth) ancl St'j Mary’s (Hokitika) for the Stuart Challenge Cup took place last evening at St. Columba Hall, Greynlouth. There was a large audience present for tlie' occasion and throughout the entertainment was. thoroughly enjoyable. The proceedings opened with an excellent concert programme, including an instrumental overture by the Convent orchestra; a violin solo by Miss C. Keating; and a recitation by Rev. Bio. Stephen, all of which were encored. llev. Father Holohan then extended the Hokitika visitors a welcome. The subject of the debate was: “That state control of land and industry is preferable to private enterprise.” The affirmative was taken by St. Mary’s Club representatives, and tbe negative by St. Columba Club, tbe debate being judged by Mr R. T. Bush, whose award, after a very interesting discussion was in favour oi the negative by a narrow margin, the points being allotted as follows: — ST. COLUMBA. Mr P. Doogan ... ... ... 64.. Air L. Phillips 64 Air L. 8.. Older ... ... .;..: 49 Air C. O’Neill ... 62 Total’ ••• 239 i ,U: ST. .MARY'S. ‘ AI iv J. P.;Stopiforth : 54 Air J. Stuart ... • ... ••• 60 Air J. Lynch ... ... ...■ 58 Air T. Donovan 64 t . Total ••• -36

The judge pointed out that the only fault to he found was that some of the speakers had introduced irrelevant matter, while others had confined themselves too narrowly to a particular aspect of the question. Many of the arguments were convincing and well handled, and the aggregate resull reflected great credit upon all of the debaters.

At the conclus’cn of the debate. Rear. Father Al’Kay, of Hokitika, congratulated the winners, and thanked Rev. Father Holohan and St. Columba Club for the cordial welcome extended. Supper was then 'dispensed- by tin Children of Alary, ,ami the evening was brought to a very enjoyable conclusion by a-dance.