NEGRO VISITORS

Wairarapa Times-Age, 16 July 1938, Page 4

NEGRO VISITORS

DEBATE IN MASTERTON ON THURSDAY. Thursday, July 21, will be a red letter day in the debating history of Masterton, because an opportunity will then be afforded to hear the American' negro university debating team, which is at present in New Zealand in the course of its world tour. The visitors are Messrs James S. Byas and Chas. W. Gil ton, .both graduates in science from Le Moyne College, Memphis, Tennessee, and both sons of Tennessee doctors. They are accompanied by their coach and manager, Professor Boris G. Alexander, who is Professor of Economics and Government at Le Moyne. Professor Alexander was born .in Moscow but after wandering for several years in Europe as a result of the Russian revolution, he finally made America the land of his domicile. A most interesting and vibrant personality, he is foreign news commentator for a radio station at Memphis. The members of the Masterton team to oppose the visitors are Messrs J. H. Kemnitz and J. Dwyer, both debaters of wide experience. Last year Mr Kemnitz toured the United States as a member of a debating team representing Otago University, while Mr Dwyer has on numerous occasions distinguished himself in local debating. The subject selected is: “That World Peace is Undesirable as Well as Impossible,” the affirmative being taken by the visitors. A short supplementary programme has also been arranged, this including humourous impromptu speeches and (items by the Te Ore Ore Maori Glee Party. The chair will be occupied by the Mayor of Masterton, Mr T. Jordan. The box plan is now open at Perrys and early reservation is advisable.