HAWERA DEBATING SOCIETY

Hawera Star, Volume LIV, 1 May 1934, Page 7

HAWERA DEBATING SOCIETY

ANNUAL MEETING HELD. The annual meeting; of the Hawera Literary and Debating Society '.was held last night. Mr G. W. Powdreil presided. The committee reported increased membership and attendance at meetings and an improvement shown in the financial position. Credit was ascribed to the treasurer, Mr E. L. M'ulcock. Regret was felt at the evident lack of interest shown in the society by those whom it was most anxious to assist, young members and new speakers. The society sent- a team to New Plymouth, and engaged in a debate with the New Plymouth Debating Club. Although the verdict- of the judge was not in favour of the team (Messrs M. Niccol, G. Powdreil, R. Denize and J. Fox), nevertheless the visit did much to cement the good feeling previously existing between the two clubs besides providing valuable experience for* the society’s representatives. A pleasing feature of the year’s activities was the interest dis>played in debating in country districts. After attending (several meetings Whakamara residents formed a debating club and were assisted by the club. Whilst the impromj)tu speech section m the competitions was not -supported by- members as enthusiastically as In the previous year, two members filled second and third places respectively. Messrs E. D.ixon, L. A. Taylor, F. Gaw. itb and Rev. A. G. Irvine assisted as judges. Hie season concluded with the annual banquet, which was a popular event. The report mentioned the work of the" Secretary, 'Mr Malcolm Niccol, to whom was undoubtedly- due a. large measure of credit for the success of the society.

The following committee was elected Patron, Mr E. Dixon; president, Mr T. M‘. Ellis; vice-presidents, Messrs H. R. Denize, R. E. Mcßae-Fitall; secretary, Mr M. Niccol; treasurer, Mr L. MuTcock ; committee. Misses M. Bates, J. Henson. Messrs G. W. Powdrell, O. Y. Church, A. L. Larkmanj and C. Nicholson.