DEBATING.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume LV, Issue 301, 13 May 1913, Page 8

DEBATING.

THE BROTHERHOOD SOCIETY. ANNUAL MEETING. The annual meeting of the Brotherhood Literary and Debating Society took place last night, and was well attended. The Rev. J. W. Burton occupied the chair. The annual report and balancesheet were adopted. The report told of a very successful season, and the bal-ance-sheet showed a small credit balance. The society held seven meetings during the year, and the attendances, especially at the debates, were very good. The evening set aside for Impromptu speeches was a success, and appeared to greatly benefit members, especially those who had done little speaking before. Interest in the society increased towards the end of the year, and the attendance, especially at the last meeting—debate on the liquor ques-} tion—was very good. Two debates were held with the Egmont Club Debating Society, Stratford, both of which were 1 won by your society. The first debate whs held in New Plymouth on the question, Leasehold v. Freehold, and the \ society was represented by Messrs. G. H. Dolby, G. W. Hartnell, W. Forbes and H. B. 'Reid. Mr. J. B. Roy acted «a judge, and awarded the points as follows: New Plvmou.th Brotherhood (freehold), 260; Stratford (leasehold), 230. The return debate was held at Stratford, the subject being on the liquor problem, State Control v. Prohibition. The society was represented bv the Rev. J. W. Burton, A. Snowball, H. B. Reid and W. Forbes, the first-named gentleman proving a splendid leader. The judges, Dr. Carbery and Messrs. R. Spence and F. A. Tyrer awarded the {points as follows: New Plymouth Brotherhood (State control), 876; Stratford (Prohibition), 853. At the close of the debate the local representatives were entertained at the Egmont Club in a most cordial manner by the Stratford Society, and the sentiment was expressed that the debates between the two societies should be continued in the future. The committee reported the loss to the society occasioned by the removal from the district of Mr. A. "Snowball, a vicepresident of the society and a very active member. .Officers were elected as follows: —• President, Mr. A. H. Johnstone, 8.A., L.L.8.; vice-presidents, Rev. J. W. Burton and Mr. G. H. Dolby; hon. secretary and treasurer, Mr. H. B. Reid; man- : agement committee, president, vice-pre-I sidents. secretary and Messrs. G. W. I Hartnell and W. G. Smith.

The question of what night would be most suitable on which to hold the fortnightly meetings was diseussed. and it was decided to hold the meetings on Tuesdays. The membership subscription was fixed at 2s.