KIMBOLTON NOTES.

Rangitikei Advocate and Manawatu Argus, Volume XXXII, Issue 8901, 22 August 1907, Page 2

KIMBOLTON NOTES.

(From Ovu' Owu Correspondent.) A return battle took place on Tuesday night in tho Kimbolton Church of England Sunday school between the local and Apiti Debating fiocioties, the subject beiiur "Plan S-l.e Platform a Greater Influence for Good than tho Press?" The Rev. j J. H. "White t:>oli the chair. The Apiti Club took . the aflirmative. i Dr. Gregory opened with a humorous and tolling speech, the Rev. J. It. Gasscll following as champion for the cause of the, press. Mr F. S. Guy, in an impassioned address, took the religious side for the affirmative, t niching on tho- great influence of preaphors froin St. Paul to Gipsy Smith,' Ho was followed by Rev.' J. F. Mayo, who, wiUi considerable eloquence, contended that to a very large extent the platform had to depend on the press for its very existence. Mr « T . A. McKenzie, concise and logical, dwelt on the power of the platform to stir the emotions of human nature. Mr H. E. Astbury, in an eloquent and. vigorous oration, proved what an enormous educational infhienco literature had on the world at large. Mr Ham McMillan, of Table Plat, made undoubtedly uuo of the best speeches of the evening, taking the historical side for the. platform. Mr E. H. CJrabbe, on behalf of tho press, incisively criticised his opponents' arguments, and generously complimented the previous speaker on his excellent performance Rev. Oassell summed up in an emphatic reply, showing in the clearest manner how the press eclipsed the platform in its power for good. Dr. Gregory took the utmost advantage of his right to a final reply, and attempted to prove to what an alarming extent tlip Zealand newspaper editors suffered from the lack of education. He continued with considerable fluency, and mercilessly, but in the most humourous manner, criticised the statements of tho opposing side. His witticisms kept the audience convulsed with laughter. Messrs Trewlu ami Watson, v> bo at considerable personal inconvenience came all the why from Feilding expressly for the purpose, acred as judges, and in that capacity gave the utmost satisfaction. Their verdict was in favour 01 the Kimbolton speakers by three points only, 850 and 3r>3 being tho respective totals. In marks Mr AstI bury casilv headed tho poll, Mr Guy taking firs'!- place among the Apiti team. Refreshments, kindly supplied by the ladies, terminated a | most enjoyable evening.