Joynt Scroll Contest

The debating contest for the Joynt Challenge Scroll was held in the Concert Chamber of the Town Hall on Saturday, April 3rd.

From the commencement of the proceedings it was clear that a certain section of the audience had decided that the debate was not the serious business of the evening. A few "sports" made so much and such continuous noise that the judges were obliged at one stage of the debate to retire from the room. They were, however, on a promise being given that the conduct of the "sports" would be a little more in accordance with that of gentlemen, persuaded to return.

The subject for debate was, "That the Dominions shall not have separate votes on the deliberations of the League of Nations, but that the views of the Empire as a whole should be expressed page 27 by the views of the representatives of an Empire Parliament or in some other way by the Empire as a whole."

The first debate was between Victoria and Canterbury.

Martin-Smith, who led for Victoria, was not in his best form. He was unfortunately suffering from a severe cold. The result was that his speech was not very effective.

K. G. Archer, who opened for Canterbury, is a sharp staccato speaker. His speech was bright and clear. At times he showed gleams of humour. His peroration, which he was determined to let the audience hear, was mostly delivered after the time bell had rung.

J. A. Ross, Victoria's second speaker, delievered a sound, logical speech. His voice, however, was scarcely powerful enough to be heard above the noise made by a section of the audience.

J. C. Dickinson, the second speaker for Canterbury, made a good speech. He kept rather closely to his notes, but taken altogether, his speech was one of the best of the evening

The second debate was between Auckland, represented by A. G. Davies and C. J. Garland, and Otago, represented by Miss M. A. Taylor and Mr. Morrell.

A. G. Davies, who opened for Auckland, had a good, confident manner. He was not disturbed by the interruptions but went fearlessly on with his speech.

Miss M. A. Taylor was slightly nervous. Her points were not clearly brought out. She had, moreover, prepared more matter than her time allowed for, and consequently her speech was unfinished.

C. J. Garland was the best speaker of the evening. His argument was clear and logical. His replies to his opponents were excellent. He well deserved the compliments of the judges. The writer does not recollect ever having heard a better speech in the Joynt Scroll contests.

Mr. Morrell had neither a good voice nor a good manner. His knowledge of the subject was better than that of most of the speakers, but unfortunately he was unable to impress that knowledge on the minds of his audience.

The judges were Rev. S. Robertson Orr and Messrs. Firth, Smith and M. Myers, who placed the contestants In the following order of merit:—A.U.C. (177 points), 1st; C.U.C. (154 points), 2nd; V.U.C. (137 points), 3rd; O.U. (130 points), 4th.