UNITED DEBATING CLUB

Greymouth Evening Star, 21 April 1938, Page 14

UNITED DEBATING CLUB

annual meeting. The annual meeting of the United Debating Club was held last evening, Mr. R. R. Dawber presiding over a good attendance. The annual report, as follows, was read and adopted: The season proved interesting and profitable, and was markedly the addition to the Club of a number of new and active members. During the season the place of meeting was moved from the United Pavilion to the Perotti Hall and I think that members will agree' that our present quarters afford better facilities than the old room. The higher rental required au increase in the annual subscription, and this was willingly agreed to. Apart from challenge debates for the Kent Honours Board, there were fewer inter-club debates than usual during the season. Debates were, however, held with Waiuta Club both in Greymouth and Waiuta. McLean Cup: This competition was again keenly contested, the winner being Mr. D. C. Milne, who holds the cup for the second time. United Club Cup: This trophy also was keenly contested and produced a close competition. The winner was Mr. W. B. Sheppard who scored an aggregate of 215 points against the runnerup, Mr. S. Quintrell, with 214. Kent Honours Board: This trophy was retained by the Club against three chai lengers, the successful teams being against St. Columba: Messrs. Milne, Sheppard, Shapcott, Quintrell, 337 points to 332. Against Waiuta: Messrs. Milne, Learmont, Strongman, Dawber, 356 points to 339. Against Trinity: Messrs. Milne, Quintrell, Strongman, Dawber, 370 points to 357. League of Debating Clubs: The annual competition organised by the Debating Clubs’ League was held in St. Columba Hall towards the end of the season. This Club was successful in obtaining the largest aggregate of points, scoring 466 against St. Columba, the runner-up, with 444. In connection with this competition, this Club especially owes a debt of gratitude to Mrs. S. W. Strong, whose generosity has made available the Strong Memorial Board for competition between Clubs. This memorial is particularly appropriate in that the late Mr. Strong was not only a past president of our own Club, but also the first president of the League, towards the foundation of which he was one of the principal movers. It is also appropriate that his own Club should be the first holder of the Board. Before relinquishing my office, I must place on record my thanks to our former secretary, Mr. A. 11. Ihle, who left us on transfer at the end of the season, to Mr. W. S. Sheppard, who has- carried on during the recess and to you gentlemen, for your courtesy and consideration throughout the season. The spirit of good fellowship that has always distinguished our Club made my position a most happy and agreeable one to fill. We also thank most heartily those gentlemen who so freely gave of their time and ability in officiating as judges when required, and the Press for the manner in which they reported our activities. The election of officers resulted: — President: Mr. S. Quintrell; vice-pre-sidents, Messrs. A. Mosley, D. C. Milne, W. Steer ard J. Smith; secre-tary-treasurer, Mr. W. S. Sheppard.

A vote of thanks was passed to the retiring officers. After the formal business of the meeting, Mr. A. J. Quill gave an..interesting talk on his recent tour of Europe.