FEDERATED CATHOLIC CLUBS

New Zealand Tablet, 27 March 1913, Page 36

FEDERATED CATHOLIC CLUBS

TWELFTH ANNUAL CONFERENCE (From our Christchurch correspondent.) March 24. The annual Conference of the Federated Catholic Clubs of New Zealand opened in the rooms of the Christchurch Catholic Club on Saturday morning, the session concluding on the following afternoon. The formal business having been transacted, the first two sections of a scries of "contests for a Federation shield was proceeded with. These include debating, elocution, tennis, and billiards competitions. Commencing with the debate on the subject, ' That the modern desire for wealth is not in the best interests of the community,' Mr. Dee (Wellington) opened in . the affirmative, being replied to by Mr. Moynihan. Mr. M. O'Kane (Wellington) next spoke affirmatively, and Mr. Rasmussen (Greymouth) opposed. Messrs. JR. Hayward and Jones (representing Christchurch) next entered the arena in the affirmative, and again tested the capabilities and resourcefulness of Greymouth. The speeches delivered and arguments adducecf were on the whole admirable, and some of a distinctly, high order. Only a few of the contestants spoke to'the ' chair,' much of the effectiveness of the others being thus lost. Mr. A. 11. Casey, president of the Federated Clubs' Executive Committee, presided, and in introducing Professor .Hight, of Canterbury College,-, as judge, expressed the general pleasure felt in securing such a,capable adjudicator, and how grateful .all. felt to the Professor for undertaking the duties. He also welcomed Mr. Brock, Inspector under the North Canterbury Education Board, who accompanied Professor Hight. / . Mr. Hight congratulated the speakers on the excellent character of the debate generally, and expressed his pleasure at finding such worthy representatives of the various societies. The subject matter of the debate (he continued) was of particular value, and in deciding the merits of the debate and the efforts of the various speakers, he considered the method of developing, the diction, enunciation, style, and forcefulness. He placed Messrs. Moynihan and Rasmussen (Greymouth) first, Messrs. Hayward and Jones (Christchurch) second, Messrs. Dee and O'Kane (Wellington) third. The elocution subjects were next taken. Mr. Moynahan (Greymouth) gave ' Pitt's reply to Walpole,' Mr. P. J. McNamara (Christchurch) ' Christmas at sea,' Mr. Carmine (Wellington) ' Speech of Lord Chatham on the American Civil War.' Mr. Carmine was placed first and Mr. McNamara second. Mr. Eric Harper, president of the Christchurch Catholic Club, moved a hearty vote of thanks to Professor Hight, it being most gratifying to all concerned that so excellent a judge had cheerfully given his valuable services. The points emphasised by Professor Hight would have an educating effect on all who were present, and would certainly be of great value in future contests. ■ . . Professor Hight said the whole proceedings had been a pleasure to him, and should he be asked at any time to assist the local society along he would gladly do so. The other subjects in the competition and billiardswill be decided to-day. At present the points to the credit of the several clubs are—Greymouth. 7; Christchurch, 6£: Wellington, 6; the scoring being thus very close.