PRIZE FOR PUBLIC SPEAKING

Southland Times, Issue 24891, 3 November 1942, Page 4

PRIZE FOR PUBLIC SPEAKING

Contest At Boys’ High

School

The senior section of the contest for the T. D. Pearce Memorial Prize for public speaking was held yesterday at the Southland Boys’ High School. First place was given to A. U. McCurdy, who found his subject in the question: “Should we punish Germany?” Mr M. H. Holcroft, who acted as judge, commended the speaker for the way in which he controlled a theme that relied on an appeal to reason rather than to emotion. The evidence of history was selected carefully, without over-weight-ing the speech with detail—a fault which could be noticed in some of the other speeches. One passage reached the level of eloquence; but it was eloquence under control, and tire speaker was able to guide his theme to its climax.

Second place was given to A. L. Walker, who spoke on the New Order. The judge pointed out the difficulties of the subject and praised the forceful delivery of the speaker, especially in the earlier part of the speech. Walker showed an intelligent interest in current problems. He dealt manfully with a subject that was receiving attention from the best minds of the day.

The rector, Dr G. H. Uttley, thanked Mr Holcroft for acting as judge, and expressed appreciation of his criticism.