STUART CUP DEBATE

Hokitika Guardian, 1 October 1929, Page 6

STUART CUP DEBATE

ST. MARY’S WIN CONTEST. Last evening in St. Mary’s Club Rooms, the final of the series o'f interclub debates, arranged between St. Mary’s and St. Columba (Greymouth) for the Stuart Challenge Cup took place. There was a good attendance present and throughout interest was well sustained.

Mr G. Wornjjngton occupied the position of chairman and carried out his duties capably. The proceedings opened with a short musical programme, the various numbers being thoroughly enjoyed. The following contributed vocal solos: Misses M. Hanrahan, U. Groufs&y, J. Warren, and Air J. Stopforth, elocutionary items being rendered by Rev. Brother Stephen, Messrs J. Mcllroy, and L. Phillips. Miss Aileen Daly acted as accompanist. Die debate then followed, the subject chosen being “ That horse racing in New Zealand should be abolished.” St. Columba took the affirmative-and St. Mary’s the negative. The following competed :—St. Columba, Messrs P. Doogan (leader), J. Quinn, B. Kempton, L. Phillips; St. Mary’s, Messrs J. Burns (leader),, J. Hutchison, A. Chapman, and T. Donovan. The debate was evenly contested, some good matter being brought forward by the speakers. Mr El Partridge, Rector of the District High School, was judge and in his remarks gave some very interesting hints on debating. f The gentleman’s advice should be a benefit not only to those who took part in the debate, but also to the many listeners present interested in public speaking. In summing np Mr Partridge declared St. i)Jary’s the winners. In the first count the points were: St. Mary’s 275 and Columba 267, but the leader of the affirmative', Air Doogan, in his reply brought his side up and in the final tally only the narrow margin of two points separated the teams. Mr Doogan returned thanks on behalf of the team for the cordial reception given and extended his congratulations to the winners.

Mr J. Burns returned tlianks for the complimentary remarks and voiced appreciation of Mr Partridge’s services as judge. The chairman -then called on Mrs D. Stuart to present the cup, which was done amid applause. Mr J. Stuart, in the absence of his father, extended congratulations and continued success to St. Mary’s. Mr J. Hutchison, President of St. Mary’s Club, returned thanks for the kind references. .He wished to thank Mr and Mrs Stuart for the donation of the cup which had been the means of such good competition. Although he was pleased St. Mary’s were the victors he wished St. C'olumba success in next year’s contests. Rev. Father McKay then followed by moving a hearty vote of thanks to Mr Partridge for his services. His kindly advice was much appreciated and much benefit should be derived. The Rev. speaker thanked all with the management of the function and concluded by thanking the audience for their patronage. Rev. Father Holohan, of Greymouth, expressed appreciation of the hospitality extended to St. Columba and hoped that when the next debating season opened other friendly contests would take, place. A dainty supper was then partaken of at the conclusion of which an enjoyable dance took place the music for which was supplied by Orough’s orchestra of Kokatahi.