INTER-CLUB DEBATE

Hokitika Guardian, 19 July 1930, Page 1

INTER-CLUB DEBATE

STUART CUP CONTEST. The first debate of three in the Stuart Cup competition between St. Mary’s Club (Hokitika) holders, and (St. Columba Club was held last evening in St. Columba Club rooms, when there was a large attendance of interested listeners. The subject for debate was: “That the New Zealand Administration, of Samoa has been and is a success.” St. Columba affirmed and St. Mary’s debated the negative. The teams were: St. Mary’s, Messrs J, Stopfortli (leader), B. Kempton, J. Hutchison, T. Donovan; St. Columba, Messrs P. Doogan (leader), M. Kelly, O’Halloran, L. Phillips. The .visitors were welcomed by Rev. Father Holahan, and, Mr A. M. Carroll, who acted as chairman. Mr R. T. Bush who acted as judge, pronounced in favour of St. Columba, awarding points as follows:—St. Columba 273 St. Mary’s 252. Columba thus won by 21 points. Commenting on the debate, the judge said that ithe subject, being one which had recently been much before the public of New Zealand, was one which offered debaters good scope and in every case the speakers had introduced good matter in support of the argument on their side, the main issue never being lost sight of. At the conclusion, ltev. Father Holahan expressed his pleasure at the interesting matter adduced by the young debaters and thanked Mr Bush for acting as judge. Messrs Doogan and Stopforth ispoke on behalf of their respective teams. After tiro debate supper was dispensed by the young ladies and a social hour was spent before the visitors, who were in charge of Rev. Father McKay, returned by motor to Hokitika.