A DEBATE.

Wairarapa Age, Volume XXXII, Issue 9557, 2 August 1909, Page 5

A DEBATE.

The Y.M.C.A. Debating Society team, consisitng of Messrs J. Hunter, W. Kemp, and D. Hebenton, journeyed to Eketahuna last Friday to meet the representatives of the Eketahuna team in a debate. On the arrival of the train at the station they were met by Mr McKenzie, secretary to the Debating Society, conducted to Mr Herbert's office, where they were joined by Mr Herbert, and the party proceeded to the electric power house. The manager kindly showed the party over the works, and explained how the Eketahuna people were economical enough to make electric light from the refuse of the material which supplied Masterton with eras light. One of the party remarked that the Eketahuna people were trying to give the members of the tdam an eJectric shock to enable them to survive the shock they were to get before the debate was over. The debate took place in the Anglican Sunday School room, where thera was a large attendance to hear the arguments for and against compulsory military training. Dr Jameson, who occupied the chair, called on Masterton to open in the affirmative. Each speaker was allowed fifteen minutes, and Masterton and Eketahuna representatives alternately gave their views and had their speeches judged E. Page the Mayor. Points were given for matter, method, and delivery. After the six speakers had concluded their orations the lady members of the Debating Society handed, round light refreshments, while the judge was bumming up the points gained by the speakers. After a short interval Mr Page announced his decision, awarding the debate to Masterton, whose team had gained 233 points against Eke'-ahuna's total of 215. The marks gained by individual speakers ware as follows: —D. Hebenton 87, Herbert 74, Hunter 73, Kemp 73, Houlst 72, Thompson 72. The judge also gave his comments on each individual's speech. Mr Snowball, who accompanied the team, thanked the Eketahuna people for the reception they had given them, and stated they were quite proud of their debaters. He also gave a brief description of the work the Y.M.C.A. was doing in Mastertm, and to be able to form a branch in Eketahuna. Votes of thanks to the judge, chairman, and adies concluded the meeting. Members of the taam are loud in their praises of the very fine feeling of fellowship which the Eketahuna people showed them.