The Spike: or, Victoria University College Review, June 1922

Debating Society

Debating Society

Urquent Rustice Sane

The Society is fortunate in having a very active Committee at the present time, and the prospects of a very successful year loom on the horizon. Nevertheless we still have with us the phantom of financial stringency, and the time seems opportune for bringing into play some American methods for the purpose of extracting subscriptions and donations from students and well wishers.

It is certainly a matter for comment that such a large number of students should be keen on the Society whether as orators in embryo, or fascinated listeners, and the Society's finances yet be in such a sorry plight. In view of all the circumstances the Committee has decided to hold a dance at an early date, and is confident that its efforts will prove that originality and genius are still to be found at the College.

On the 24th September last, the motion for discussion was "That it is in the best interests of New Zealand that Asiatic immigration be excluded." Messrs. Yaldwyn and Haigh were opposed by Messrs Wood and Sheat. The movers maintained that we should strive for a "White New Zealand" Conditions in this country differed extremely from Australia, where you have a large part of the Continent unfit for habitation by whites. The introduction of Asiatics must necessarily lower the standard of living in this fair country, and before many years had passed we would be faced with a "piebald" population. Mr. Wood and his colleague reminded the vast audience of the brotherhood of men and the fact that we should love our neighbours even if they were outwardly black or yellow. The gem of the evening however came from a supporter, who electrified the audience by advising that there were immediate opportunities in New Zealand for ten million Chinese, who could be employed in cultivating the virgin land. The Rev. A. M. Johnson acted as judge, and placed the first five speakers in the following order: Messrs. Sheat, Wood, Yaldwyn, Campbell, and Bell.

The first debate of the 1922 season was on a vital subject, having an interest for each and every student, and was. "That the Right of Action in English Law for Breach of Promise should be abolished." Messrs. Evans and Campbell appeared in support, while Messrs. Haigh and Gibson were in the opposing corner. The movers suggested that the Right of Action in question was a survival of a barbarous age; when woman needed protection, and that it was incumbent on this enlightened community to sweep away this clog on the wheels of progress. Moreover the right was founded on injustice as a man could never succeed as plaintiff in such an action. Mr. Haigh and hi s seconder painted in glowing terms the affliction of a broken heart, and pointed out that justice demanded a right of redress. Further it was not fit and proper that the guilty party should be allowed to go scot free and continue his or her depredations in fresh fields. The meeting was remarkable for the number of new speakers, and it is to be hoped that they will be encouraged to persevere in their efforts. The judge. Mr. C. H.Taylor, placed the first five speakers in the following order: Messrs. Evans, Haigh, Gibson, Campbell, and Ball.

On May 4th.the subject for debate was That Preference to Unionists should have the support of Public Opinion." The movers were Messrs. Wood and Haigh, and the opposer Mr. Gibson. Mr. Wood and colleague stated that the fundamental reason for supporting the motion was that collective bargaining was essential from the point of view of the worker who as an individual bargainer was at the mercy of his employer. Moreover industrial peace was secured by preference to unionists. Mr. Gibson, according to one report battled against overwhelming odds and was finally beaten by only two votes. We regret that it is impossible to say definitely whether Mr. Gibson or the intelligent audience suffered most. Mr. Gibson set out on the war path against Trade Unionism in general and stated that there was a vast conspiracy afoot for Labour to seize the reins of government. The Capitalists in the audience did not appear in the least perturbed by this alarming revelation. Mr. H. A. Gold acted as judge; and placed the first five speakers in the following order: Messrs. Wood, Gibson Davidson, Campbell, and Haigh.

A splendid programme of debates has been arranged for the balance of the season, the subjects being varied and interesting and it only now remains for the students and their friends to help make this year a huge success from the oratorical point of view.