Thank You Please—

Dear Sir,—May I, as an extra-mural but not uninterested spectator at College functions, express my appreciation of the standard of oratory offered last Saturday by Plunket Medal contestants. I regret exceedingly that my "copy" on this occasion was consigned ignominiously to a sub-editor's waste basket. It appeared that the space demanded at present by Parliament precluded more than the briefest mention of academic eloquence.

In his moving vindication of the unfortunate Alfred Dreyfus, Mr. O'Brien deserved high praise for the method employed. With a dramatic presentation of the verdict delivered by the second court martial, he introduced something of the forensic tenseness that must have been felt in that far-off hearing. Then, having captured his audience's attention, ho held it with calm, poised assurance.

Mr. McCreary'3 method was vastly different. Making full use of a magnificent voice, and undoubted histrionic talent, he demanded, rather than subtly plied for, attention. At times he bullied his audience, but with a skill that was easy to admire. Mr. McCreary is an Intensely sincere speaker—his voice may well be heard above the chorus of our time.

It was evident that Miss Cooch's speech had been meticulously prepared. As an essay on Colonel Lawrence it might not have been surpassed, but in stage presentation of the matter. Miss Cooch was not fully at home. In endeavouring to overcome a certain element or nervousness, she appeared almost belligerent in her delivery. The introduction of a little colouring into what was nearly a neutral monotone would have helped her to gain that necessary attribute of all speakers, the feeling of being in touch with her listeners.