Debating Season Ends

Manawatu Times, Volume 60, Issue 241, 12 October 1935, Page 3

Debating Season Ends

PALMERSTON NORTH SOCIETY.

Tlio concluding meeting for this season of the Palmerston North Literary and Debating Society was held recently at tho Picadilly tea-rooms, when Mr. W. B. Tennent, the president, presided over an attendance of 26 members and guests. Reference was made by Mr. Tennent in his opening remarks to the interest which had been taken in the society by the public in general. This had resulted in the donation of several trophies for competition between tho members. He mentioned that a challenge cup had been presented by the “Manawatu Daily Times” for interclub debates. It was to be hoped, said Mr. Tennent, that next season numerous contests for this trophy would bo held and so improve tho standard of debating in the district. During tho evening the competitions for two of the trophies, were decided. The competitors for tho J. L. Bennett Cup, presented by Messrs. J. L. Bennett, Ltd., were those gaining the highest marks in prepared speeches of live minutes’ duration held at intervals during tho year. Thero wero seven finalists in this competition, tho winner being Mr. T. C. Watson. The competition for the J. A. Nash Medal, presented by Mr. J. A. Nash, M.P., for the speaker securing the highest marks in a prepared speech to be delivered on the final evening, was won by Mr. J- A. Edwards. Mr. G. E. Rowo acted as adjudicator and gave very capable and constructive criticisms > of each speaker. A vote of thanks to Mr. Rowe was carried by acclamation. Appreciation was expressed by the members of the very valuable assistance which had been given by the several gentlemen who acted as adjudicators throughout the year. At the conclusion of tho meeting Mr. Tennent presented the trophies won during tho evening and also the prize of books donated by him to the speaker who was considered to have shown most improvement during the year. This was awarded to Mr. H. G. Mills.