DEBATING CLUB

Hokitika Guardian, 5 November 1929, Page 1

DEBATING CLUB

SEASON SUCCESSFULLY CLOSED

The St. Mary’s Literary and Debating Club terminated its season last evening at St. Maly’s Club Rooms, with a smoko concert. The past season has been a very successful one and much benefit has been derived by, the members through the weekly inter-courses. There was a good attendance present to mark the closing function which throughout was most enjoyable. A lengthy toast list was honoured, interspersed with musical and elocutionary items. Miss M. Devaney kindly acted as pianiste for the occasion, her willing help being much appreciated. The President, Mr J. Hutchison, in opening the function, spoke in glowing terms of the Club’s progress throughout the year and hoped when the season re-opened next year the same progress and good fellowship would still exist.-

The following was the toast list:— “The Pope and the King,” -Rev. Father McKay); “St. Colmnba Club,” (proposed by Mr T. Daly and responded to by Mr J. Lynch) ; “;St. Mary’s Ladies Debating Club,” (Messrs J.-Stop-fortli and G. Davidson); “Our Patrons,” (Messrs G. Wormington and J. Stuart) ; “The Judges,” (Messrs J. Hutchison and G. Wormington i: “Stuart Cup Winners,” (Mr D. Breeze ; each member of the team replied) ; “Secretary and Officers,” (Mr J. Burns; each officer in turn replying); “Our President,” (Rev. Father McKay, responded to by Air J. Hutchison). (Each toast was heartily honoured accompanied with musical honours. In proposing the toast of “Our President,” Rev. Father McKay paid a tribute to the work of Mr J. Hutchison in his capacity as President. He was an energetic member and was always solicitious for the Club’s welfare. The Rev. speaker in referring to Mr Hutchison’s approaching marriage wished him every happiness in his new sphere and in asking his acceptance of a Loewe pipe, suitably inscribed, hoped that it would serve to remind him of Us happy associations with St. Alary’s Clulb. Several members ably endorsed the remarks of Father McKay and wished Mr Hutchison and the future Airs Hutchison health and prosperity in their wedded life. Afr Hutchison suitably responded. A visitor to the Club, slr J. A. Davidson, of Methvcn, congratulated the members on their past year s work and hoped that the future years would hold continued success for tne Club. The musical part of the evening was most enjoyable the following contributing:—Rev. Father Ale Kay, Mess is J. Stopforth, .T. Lynch and T. Hatch. Recitations. Atossrs .T. Stopforth, G. Davidson and T. Lock. Before the dispersal of the gathering the health of Air a.nd Airs D. Stuart and Afr and Airs J. L. turner were heartily honoured The afore mentioned persons have been very generous in donating silver cups for competition in the Club and tbe members much appreciated tlieii valued assistance. Tbe health of the pianiste. Airis Devaney, was then honoured, the function terminating with the singing of “Auld Lang Syne.”