Debating Society

The Debating Society has come through an unusually stormy Session with undiminished popularity. Local politics have been on more than one occasion of very considerable interest, but it would appear from recent events that the Coalition Committee is not an unhappy one. The average attendance at the eight debates so far held is well over one hundred.

Operations so far this Session have revealed two matters of sufficient importance to merit consideration here. First, the syllabus, though popular, is not original. It is now time to commence the preparation of next year's list, and we would ask that any thoughtful who at any time discovers a teal puzzle should relate it to the Society. We can modify the adage and truth fully declare that a debating society has the syllabus it deserves. Without external suggestions the range of subjects must necessarily be circumscribed. The second matter we would mention is the improper disturbance which, not infrequently, has interfered with the conduct of our meetings. The cause of this disturbance is the feeling which has arisen in the College, and which is radiated in the Society, between the Loyalists and their troublesome opponents. We must observe that the attitude adopted by these opponents has ever been decorous and in accordance with the Rules governing debates and defining the functions of the Chair. The actions of the Loyalists, we regret, have not invariably been distinguished by the same characteristics

The Joynt Scroll with its attendant discussion, has come and gone. We lost the Scroll, but we know that the traditions of the Society were worthily upheld by our chosen representatives. The Plunket Medal contest, a distinct success, is separately reported elsewhere.

The Union Prize for 1933 goes to A. F. T. Chorlton, who in the first seven debates of the year was four times placed first. In the face of this record, it was unnecessary to leave the award until the end of the year. We congratulate Mr. Chorlton on his splendid victory.