The Debate.

The contest for the Joynt Memorial Scroll was held in the Choral Hall on Saturday evening before a fair gathering of the public and a large gathering of students. The subject was "That State Interference in Industry and Commerce should be discouraged." The judges were Messrs. A. K. Anderson, M.A., J. H. E. Schroeder, M.A., and A. F. Wright. Bishop West-Watson was in the chair. The first debate was between Victoria College and Auckland University College.

Although the Victoria debaters, Messrs. G. R. Powles and W. J. Mountjoy, were successful in defeating the Aucklanders, they were only adjudged second on the whole debate, Otago winning with 154 points, as with Victoria's 160 points.

We consider that our speakers were very unfortunate in that they had to speak the explosion of huge crackers, and severe heckling were few of the obstacles they had to contend with.

Indeed, the rowdyism reached such a pitch that the chairmen were forced to adjourn the debate for quarter of an hour.

The speeches of our representatives were extremely fine and showed evidences of careful preparation, while W. J. Mountjoy is especially to be congratulated in being bracketed equal with Mr. J. A. Stallworthy, of Otago.