DEBATING FESTIVAL.

Ashburton Guardian, Volume 59, Issue 15, 28 October 1938, Page 4

DEBATING FESTIVAL.

REPORTS TO THE EXECUTIVE. PLANS. FOR NEXT YEAR. “From a debating standpoint the festival was an undoubted success, but the support given by the public was very disappointing,” said Mr E. J. Wood (president) speaking of the public-speaking festival of the Ashburton County Debating Union at a meeting of the executive last evening. It was reported that because of sickness among intending competitors, only four teams had been able to take part in all the sections of the festival. The? impromptu speech section was of a good standard, it was stated, and the rules laid down by the executive had been found to be satisfactory. In the prepared speech competition, it had been noted, there had been, a tendency on the part of some of tlfe competitors to adopt an elocutionary style which the Union did not favour. The suggestion of the judge (Mr S. W. Gower) that subjects which would require more research should he chosen might obviate the difficulty. hi the debating section the standard was high, but a greater variety of aspects of the • subject, had 1 been expected. A weakness in this section had been the attacking ability of speakers.

The executive decided to confer with clubs with a view to ascertaining suggestions for the improvement of future festivals. It was intimated that a more varied programme would be planned for next ytear.

It was agreed that judges be asked to confer early next season to establish a standard basis of marking, and to send to the judges letters setting out the Union’s thanks for their work and to the Technical High School Board for the use of the Assembly Hall for the festival.