NOTABLE RECORD

Ashburton Guardian, Volume 68, Issue 27, 12 November 1947, Page 4

NOTABLE RECORD

Hinds Young Farmer Debaters WINNERS OF N.z: TITLE The debating team of the Hinds Young Farmers’ Club topped a series of unbroken debating successes this season by winning the New Zealand Yqung Farmers’ championship in Christchurch last evening. As South Island champions the Hinds team, consisting of Messrs J. R. Cocks (leader), C. P. Lill and A. J. Mackenzie opposed the North Island premier team from Tinui (Wairarapa) comprising Messrs J. Lambourne (leader), J. Groves and E. Schofield. The judge, Professor H. E. Field, gave the decision to the South Island team by a single point, 177 to 176. The best speaker of the evening was stated to be Mr Cocks, though the judge paid special compliments to the third northern speaker, Mr Schofield, for his debating ability. The subject of the debate was: “That in Order to Build up a Sound National Economy, New Zealand should Foster an Active Immigration Policy.” Popular Win The Hinds team’s win was very enthusiastically received, in particular by the supporting delegation from the Hinds district which travelled to Christchurch for the occasion, and were extremely gratified at their representatives’ success. Members of the Oxford Club which met Hinds earlier in; the South Island part of the contest were also present, showing an excellent sporting spirit. Mr J. Barclay (Dominion president of the Young Farmers’ Club movement) was in the chair, and at the close of the debate he handed over the cup for the inter-island contest to' Mr Cocks, congratulating both teams on their performances. Both leaders suitably replied. The cup has only been won twice before, last year by the Christ College team. Present at the debate were also Messrs S'. Freeman (Dominion organising secretary of the Young Farmers’ Club movement), C. C. Leitch (assistant fields superintendent of the Department of Agriculture in Christchurch) and I. J. Purdon (secretary of the Canterbury Council). Mr Purdon was responsible for the arrangement of the conte*3t on behalf of the New Zealand Federation of Young Farmers’ Clubs.