BECKS DEBATING SOCIETY.

Mount Ida Chronicle, Volume XL, Issue XL, 18 October 1912, Page 3

BECKS DEBATING SOCIETY.

(From Our Own Correspondent.) I am glad to report that this society still continues to flourish and do good by contributing as it does to the increase of the knowledge of all who are favored to attend and take part in its meetings. On the 11th ult., when the society met in the hall, there was a record attendance of members and visitors. Mr T. H. Mee occupied the chair. After preliminary business was disposed of, Mr Herbert Jenkins, in the unavoidable absence of Mr Knight, opened the debate for the evening taxed?" on the affirmative side, and was ably backed up in his arguments by Mr W. Howjohns. The negative side was opened by Mr B. Donnelly, whose remarks were well supported by Mr Robert Brown. A good discussion ensued, in which several other members took part. Eventually the chairman put the matter to the vote, with the result that the negative won by a large majority. A hearty vote of thankß to the chairman brought the proceedings to a close. The Hociety again met in the hall on the evening of the 2nd inst. Mr R. L. Smith occupied the chair. After the minutes of the previous meeting were read and confirmed, the chairman announced the subject of debate for the evening-—" Does a rise in wages benefit the working man?" and called on Mr R. Gamble to open the subject o*l the affirmative side. After he had done so, Mr B. Donnelly also spoke on the same side. The negative side was opened by Mr Harold Harrex, and Mr R. L. Smith (who vacated the chair pro tern) also Bpoke on the like side. The discussion which followed was taken part in by several otht,r members, who availed themselves of the opportunity of giving their views on the subject. On being put to the meeting, the negative won by six voteß. A hearty vote of thanks to the chairman closed the meeting. On Friday, 18th inßt., the society holds the last meeting of the current session, when there will be an impromptu debate, to be followed by : a Bocial gathering.