CLUB DEBATE

Hokitika Guardian, 15 November 1932, Page 5

CLUB DEBATE

ST MARY’S V. ST COLUMBA

STUART CUP CONTEST,

GREYMOUTH, November 15,

Last evening a team of debaters from St Mary’s Club, Hokitika, journeyed to Grey mouth to meet a team of St. Columba debaters in competition for the Stuart Cup. Since the institution of the debate for the trophy, three debates have been held annually, the teams debating alternately at Greymouth and Hokitika. So far Honours have been evenly distributed and the cup has passed between the Clubs without so far being retained by either, . ~

Last evening’s debate was on the subject: “That the Successful Abolition of Drinking, Smoking and Gambling, would make <a happier nation.” St Mary’s took the affirmative and St Columba the negative, the judge, Mr R. T. Bush, giving his verdict in fayout of the negative, by 305 points to 301. The individual points scored were as follows: —

St Columba (Greymouth).—M. Kelly, leader 78; reply 12—90; I. Mcllroy, 70; K. Griffen, 73; L. Phillips, 72; total 305.

St Mary’s (Hokitika).— Basil Kempton leader, 79; reply 13 92; J. Hutchison, 68? J. Stuart 71; T. Donovan, 70; total 301. In announcing his decision, Mr Bush congratulated the various speakers on the excellence of their speeches, stating that a marked improvement had been shown. The speeches had on the whole, been more cohesive, some good arguments had been adduced and there had been more fluency than previously. The greater experience' of St Columba speakers had carried them to victory, though St Mary’s had been close on their heels .and were reaching the standard when they were likely at any moment to turn the tables.

Mr B. Kempton congratulated the winning team and thanked Mr Bush for his helpful remarks in criticising the evening’s work. He then handed Mr Kelly the Stuart Cup, mentioning that St Mary’s would endeavour early in the New Year to recapture the trophy. Rev. Father Holohan expressed his pleasure at St. Columba’s success, and congratulated St. Mary’s team on the hard run they had given their opponents. He also thanked Mr Bush for acting as adjudicator. After refreshments had been handed round, those present joined in a community sing, the Hokitika visitors leaving shortly. after eleven o’clock on their return.