WAITUNA DEBATING SOCIETY.

Rangitikei Advocate and Manawatu Argus, Volume XXXIV, Issue 9464, 5 June 1909, Page 4

WAITUNA DEBATING SOCIETY.

From Onr Own Correspondent,

There was a good attendance at the meeting of Waituna Literary and Debating Olnb on Tuesday evening including several new members who have promised to take an active part. The session just opened givesjprorhise of being the most successful since the Society’s {inception. The question for [discussion was—“ Should military training for the male part of the population of New Zealand between the ages of 18 and 25 be compulsory?” Mr T. B. Haydn opened the debate in the affirmative advocating a system of military training as being the only practical means of getting prepared to defend our country against a possible invader. He pointed out that being prepared to fight does not necessarily indicate a desire to do so and that Britain would always strive to maintain peace but it mast be peace with honour. Mr M. Goldsbury took the negative side scooting the war scare as being magnified and exaggerated to the last degree by seekers after the sensational doubting reports circulating in the newspapers as in any way representing the true feelings of the nations towards each other. He was entirely opposed to war and bloodshed, and championed the side of right as against might for the disposal of national differences. The sentiments of his speech were very fine but of a much more millennial character than the signs of the times warrant us in supposing we have reached. Messrs Phyu, Fitton, Humphrey, Pearce, Shannon and Oorpe also spoke on various phases of the question the discussion being well maintained throughout and intently listened to by the audience, The pext.meeHng ?a tc b - l’cvclx.. 10 i impromptu spoeones. 1