INTER-CLUB DEBATE.

Grey River Argus, 27 June 1922, Page 4

INTER-CLUB DEBATE.

ST COLUMBA V. W.E.A. One of t ic largest audiences attracted by loc;.l debating was present at the debate held last evening in the St Columba Club rooms between the St Columba Club and the W.E.A. on tho question “That New Zealand will become a great manufacturing country.” St Columba, taking the affirmative, were represented by Alessrs M. Daly, P. J. McCarthy, W. P. McCarthy *and A. McSherry, and W.E.A., on tho negative side, were represented by ; Messrs 11. Belshaw, A. IL Paterson, A { Naylor and W. Booth. ' The debate proved decidedly interesting and the respective merits of tho individual debaters balanced fairly evenly throughout. The feature of the ; debate was naturally the large array of ; information on manufacturing activities, past, present, and prospective, that the various speakers introduced. It gave convincing evidence that the debating societies are decidedly valuable educative institutions, and are capable of inducing useful studies, as well as training members in the methodical ! arrangement of ideas, and the formulation of new conclusions. Practically every speaker displayed a good conception and an insight into the manufae taring world. It is safe to say the audience gained a deal of interesting information. The matter was, generally speaking, superior to the method and delivery. but the judge of the debate (Mr J. F. Wilson) specially tributed. Air Belshaw for his scientific address, and Air McSherry lor his effectiveness both in delivery and mattes* The former built his case on New Zealand’s predominant pastoral production, which could grow six-fold, while secondary industries had little chance. Air McSherry eloquently outlined the possibilities of hydro-electricity as a manufacturing nucleus in New Zealand. Mr Booth pointedly queried whether New Zealand were going to emulate all tha evils of British industrialism. Messrs McCarthy put up a very sound argument in favour of New Zealand’s resources, while Mr Paterson effectively pointed out the power of the trusts and combines in controlling the industrial future. Mr A. Naylor dealt with the specialisation and. advantages of the British manufacturing system, and made some good points as to the dependence of newer countries on the older ones. Mr M. Daly confined himself to future possibilities in view of the latest scientific discoveries and new motive powers, claiming in effect that there would be a second industrial revolution. Air J. F. Wilson, who acted as judge, in summing up, gave very useful hints and stated that, in his opinion, the negative side had some advantages in arguing from the present conditions, and it might have been more interesting to hear them on the more difficult side, trying to make out a case for New Nealand manufacturers. He pointed out how this debate was another illustration of the recurring disputes as to definition of the terms in the questions of del ate, suggesting that in future some understanding or convention should be stt up in advance of the debates. He alluded also to the invariable good fellowship that has characterised debates in Greymouth. He remarked that the points were very close indeed, only six points separating the respective teams, and he. declared W.E.A. side the winners by 515 point.® to 509 gained by St Columba Club. The debaters spoke in complimentary terms of each other and of the judge, whose hints and .-omments they all appreciated. A vote <»f thanks was also accorded the chairman, Mr Tom Barry (President of the St Columba Club). After the debate, the Debating Societies' Executive met and made arrangements for future contests. The next debate is to be on the question:—“That, in the present state of New Zealand, immigration is undesirable,” St Paul's Club affirming, and the W.E.A. taking the negative.