ORATORY CONTEST

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXII, Issue 22139, 19 June 1935, Page 13

ORATORY CONTEST

MAORI STUDENT'S SUCCESS WINNER OF PLUNKET MEDAL Oratory of a standard noli approached in previous jears was heanl at the Town Hall concert chamber, Wellington, when Mr. K. 6. Tahiwi, who delivered a speech on Henry VIII., was declared the winner of the 29th annual Plunket Medal oratory contest for students of Victoria University College. "The result of the contest has more or less justified itself, and it was certainly better to-night than on any other occasion on which I have been present," said Mr. G. W. von Zedlitz, in announcing the decision of himself and the other two Rabbi S* Katz and Mr. H. F. O'Leary, K.C. : He said that the form of the contest, in which each speaker dealt with some man or woman of note in history, had been suggested by himself to Lord Plunket, who had donated the medal during his term of office as Governor of New Zealand. The medal vras presented by Mr. O'Leafy. "This is the first time that a representative of the race of which we are all so fond is the winner of the Plunket Medal," he said to Mr. Tahiwi. The character of Henry VIII. was analysed by Mr. Tahiwi, who did not confine himself to a mere chronicle of the King's life. The legend of Henry VIII. persisted, he said, and we were taught to see a Henry of monstrous egoism moving relentlessly against his foes. And yet he had gained affection in the hearts of the people. The people were delighted with his vigorous turn of mind and his ready wit.