Debating Club

The Debating Society has had another successful year. The interest in the Society's activities has been maintained. The standard of speaking has varied considerably. At some debates, notably those on Christianity as a solution of the evils of the world, and the downfall of parliamentary democracy, the standard was unusually high. The Union Prize has furnished a very close and interesting contest. Until the last debate the issue was in doubt. Mr. Bannister won the contest with an average of 4.0 points, and Miss Z. Henderson was a close second with 3.9. Mr. Chorlton was third with an average of 3.5.

A pleasing feature of the year's activities is the number of new speakers who have taken part in debates, both at the special new speakers' debates and in the regular or "ordinary" debates. The New Speaker's Prize for the most improved new speaker has been won by Mr. Fortune. Mr. Katz was second. Another new speaker who has done well is Mr. Sutch.

The annual inter-university debate for the Joynt Scroll was held at Christchurch on April 2nd. V.U.C. debated against Auckland, and Canterbury against Otago. Victoria was represented by Mr. W. J. Mountjoy, Junr., and Mr. H. R. Bannister. The subject was "That the State Should Cease to Mantain Social Services," and V.U.C. had to affirm. Our representatives were successful in winning the coveted Joynt Scroll, and Canterbury (Messrs. Poison and Milner) were second. Mr. Mountjoy was the "best speaker" of the evening.