The Debates.

On the first Saturday in the Vacation, H. H. Ostler seconded by G. Toogood, moved "That no event in the History of our Colony has had a more injurious effect upon the morale of its people than the dispatching of Contingents to South Africa" T. Seddon and A J. Thompson opposed. The imperialistic tide set against the movers—and though they made a good fight they were outvoted by a large majority.

The debate with 1 lie Socialist party was the only outside debate of the Session. II. H. Ostler, G. Toogood, A. G. Quartley, A. H. Johnstone and G. F. Dixon represented the College and Messrs Hogg, Fowls, Fagle, Hamilton and Kraig appeared for the Socialists. College opposed the motion "That Collectivism would do away with the present dispute between Capital and Labour." Mr. Hogg's speech in reply was the best of the evening, and the movers were declared victors by one point. The contest was Greatly enjoyed by both sides. The Rev. W. A. Evans and Messrs A. R. Atkinson and R. McNab M.H.R. very kindly acted as judges.

A very lively debate took place on A. G. Tudhope's motion "That the promiscuous reading of magazines is having a baneful influence on the literary taste of the day." This was seconded by G. F. Dixon and opposed by C. Collins and F. P. Kelly. The motion was carried.

The proposition "That to the Individual rather than the Nation the advance of the Empire is due "was propounded by A. G Quartley and with him G. Toogood. F. P. Kelly and F. A. de la Mare opposed, and a well contested debate resulted in a victory for the movers.

The "Parliamentary" debate was a "night out" for the Society. H. P. Richmond was elected Speaker and Miss E. M.

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B. Lynch was appointed Clerk of the House—"with power to speak." The King summond! G. Toogood to form a ministry and Cr. F. Dixon received the portfolio of Fisheries whilst. C. Collins became Minister of Finance. K. Kircaldie was Leader of the Opposition and A. G. Quartley and A. G. Tudhope acted as Opposition Whips. The Premier introduced the Referendum Bill and carried the second reading by one vote. Points of order and abusive language made the atmosphere almost as lurid as it is "in another place"—and the Chairman's rulings which are not "recorded as precedents" tended in the direction of expediting business.

The question of "Cremation"—described as a "burning" one by Miss Lynch who seconded G. F. Dixon in support, ended in a "fiery" discussion across comparatively empty benches. R. Mason and C. H. Taylor opposed. Both sides went into somewhat harrowing details. The supporters of Cremation carried the day.