YOUNG FARMERS’ DEBATE

Press, Volume XC, Issue 27463, 24 September 1954, Page 6

YOUNG FARMERS’ DEBATE

CLINTON WINS SOUTH ISLAND CONTEST The Clinton Young Farmers’ Club won the South Island debating contest for Young Farmers’ clubs when it beat Methven Y.F.C. in the final, held at Ashburton. Clinton will meet the winner of the North Island team next month In the final of the New Zealand contest. The Methven club (R. Pridie, leader. G. Coppard, and R. Penney) took the affirmative of the subject, “That the future security of New Zealand farming exists only in the production of meat and wool.” The negative was taken by Clinton (J. Steele, leader, R. Kennet, and C. Taylor). By a clear, not overwhelming, but convincing margin. Clinton won, said the judge (Mr G. S. Troup, of Christchurch). He said Clinton debated more effectively than Methven. Many of the other points of public speaking were fairly evenly divided. Speakers of the negative got among the affrmative side and worked hard and fast on their argument. The standard of speaking was distinctly good. All were promising. R. Kennet was the best speaker of the evening. His attack was rapid and devastating and he worried and parried the opposition as a good debater should. It was an excellent piece of debating, oratory, and entertainment.