Is That So?

Feilding Star, Volume V, Issue 1287, 13 September 1910, Page 2

Is That So?

It is complained by Mr Justice Chapman that public speaking iv New Zealand has deteriorated. Is that so? We do not agree with his Honour, but at the same time wo do not mean to infor_that the art of talking interestingly and gracefully out loud to a crowd has made an advance. The fact is, no man can fairly claim that our oratory to-day is not as good as it used to be. To this assertion of Judge Chapman the retort of Editor Burn and to tho reader who complained that "Punch was not as good as it used to be" might well be quoted. The genius of Punch retorted: "It never was!" Taken by and large, public speaking iv New Zealand, in common with British-speaking countries the world over, has always been simply wretched. True, we have, had a Fitzgerald and a Grey and a \\ a Icefield, but these bright examples only served to emphasise the general low standard: and in Parliament during the past decade there have ueen and still are'many "talkers," but interesting speakers and speeches have been few and far between. To-day it is most depressing to listen to the average debate in Parliament, for the speakers are mainly in a querulous mood and there is a, nnirkod lack of

sincerity in both attack and defence. In Parliament, as in pulpit afid platform, our speakers lean on other people's opinions far too much, aud far too frequently fail to stand squarely on their feet. Physically and mentally our public speakers reach out" for something to lean upon, delivering themselves with crossed foot. Speaking especially as a Judge, Mr Justice Chapman said he had had to put up with a great deal of bad speaking, but his case is no common experience. Our barristers are to-day no worse and no better than they were twenty years ago—nor are our Judges. It

is to be regretted that in. a nation which has so much admiration and so many rewards for public speaking and speakers there is such a dearth <ii' either interesting spoakers or orators. Parliament to-day is full of men who have won their high position mainly through their capacity for talking—but not 5 per cent, would pass an examination in public speaking. Societies that encourage debating talents aro extremely valuable, and should be encouraged in every centre of settlement —in city, town, and country. Feilding has been doing its duty in this respect during tho past winter; and the effect of Feilding's" interest in oratory has been noticeable during the past fortnight, during which period a son of Feilding has scored exceedingly well in oratorical contests in the city. It is to bo "hoped that New Zealanders will not long be content to mark time in the matter of exorcising tho art of public speaking.