INTER-CLUB DEBATE

Hokitika Guardian, 13 August 1931, Page 1

INTER-CLUB DEBATE

STUART CUP CONTEST. Last evening at St. Golumba Club Rooms, Greymouth, the team of St. Columba. Club defeated', the St. Mary’s team Hokitika, in a second debate for the Stuart Cup, making honours even in the present competition for the trophy and rendering it necessary to meet again lor a final debate, which will take place at Hokitika in about a fortnight. The subject of last night’s debate was “That a White Australia ,is Just.” St.. Columba bad the affirmative and St. Mary’s the negative. The former team were declared winners by a handy margin of 18 points, the total points being: St. Columba 291, St Mary’s 273. The individual scores were: St. Co.lmnha—P. Kelly (leader) 80, M. Kales 66, L. Philips 67, C. Durning 70, aff. reply 8, total 291. St. Mary’s--J. P. Stopforth (leader) 78, J. Hutchison 64 J. Stuart 59, B. Kempton 66. neg. reply 6, total 273. In announcing the result, Mr R. T. Bush, who acted as judge, said some excellent speeches had been made, mid much sound argument adduced on both sides. The best speech had been made by Mr C. Durning, of St. Columba. He had gripped the subject, arranged his facts in good sequence, argued logically, and rounded off bis speech convincingly; he was a forceful speaker. Mesrs Kelly (the affirmative leader) and Stopforth (the negative leader) had both shown much improved form, and had opened on good lines for their respective sides. The good team uoik of the winners had been a factor which bad assisted in their success. The visiting team and their supporter were welcomed, by Rev. Father Bolohan. Rev. Father McKay and Mr J. P. Stopforth congratulated St Col-, rumba on their win, and hoped that when they meet for the final debate, St. Man’’ would'he able to catch the judge’s eve. After the debate, supper was handed round, and those present adjourned to the hall, where dancing was proceeded with.