City Debating Society Ends Season

Manawatu Times, Volume 61, Issue 231, 30 September 1936, Page 6

City Debating Society Ends Season

PLEASANT FUNCTION LAST EVENING. Marking tho end of a highly interesting and informative season of topical discussion, tho Palmerston North Literary and Debating Society last evening held a highly successful social evening, when, after a musical programme had been enjoyid, opportunity was taken to present trophies to the winners. Thero was a large attendance, while apologies included ono from tho Mayor and Mayoress, Mr. and Mrs. A. E. Mansford. The function was, held in the Piccadilly Lounge, where tho tables were brightly decorated with spring blooms. Mr. T. (J. Watson (chairman of the society) expressed his thanks for the co-operation of members throughout flic season, which had been outstandingly successful. Mr. E. (J. Watson as secretary had made a great contribution to the success aud efficient functioning ot the club, while tho committee members had also given loyal co-operation. Mr. Watson said he had enjoyed to the utmost his duties as chairman. Tho chairman announced that the club had received from an anonymous donor a modal to be known as fho 1 ‘(Savage Medal.” On tho donor's suggestion, this had been awarded to the runner-up to tho Mills (Jup winner. Mr. Watson then called upon Mr. W. B. Tennent, president of the society, to tako charge of proceedings. The following attractive programme was presented: Orchestra, “Tho Conqueror”; violin solo, “Nocturne” (Chopin), Mr. W. Gough; orchestra, “Humble Soul”; song, “My i’retty Jane,” Mr. H. J. King; ventriloquism, Mr. Lunn; orchestra, “Polo to Polo”; flute and clarionet duet, “Song of the Lark,” Messrs. M. Wilson and F. Piper; violin solo, “Valso Triste” (Sibelius), Mr. Gough; oreffestra, “Silent Pleading”; iluto solo, “Graceful Dance,” Mr. Wilson; orchestra, “Tho Moose.”

The members of tho orchestra were: Miss Z. Leamy, F.T.C.L., and Messrs. S. Gough, M. Sirnes, M. Wilson, F. Piper, Moss, and J. R. Wingate. The year had been a particularly successful one in tho short history of the club, said Mr. Tennent. Membership during tho year had increased from 18 to 41, whilo attendances at meetings had averaged 70 per cent. Certain gentlemen had shown a practical interest by donating trophies that had stimulated competition. Much of tho success, however, was undeniably duo to tho wisdom of tho committee and the chairman, Mr. T. C. Watson. The latter was a gentleman whoso mind and heart kept him young and enhanced his experience. His chairmanship of a group comprised chiefly of younger members had been admirable. Tho two outstanding evenings were those on which the “Manawatu Daily Times” Challenge Cup was regained from Massey College, and the one on tvhich tho Parliamentary debate was held. The society had profited from the experience of Mr. J. A. Nash cn tho occasion of a Parliamentary night. The outstanding feature had been undoubtedly tho co-operatiou and camara-

dcrie that had been at all times evident among members. Trophies were then presented by Mr. Tennent as follows: — Winners of Trophies, Mills Cup (for iivo-minuto speech;, Mr. T. C. Watson; Savage Medal (run-ner-up), Mr. i’. T. Jamieson; Watsoma Cup (ladies), Miss M. Howling; Nash i'rophy (runner-up;, Mrs. E. L. Christian; Tennent Trophy (most improved speaker), Mr. L. McDonald. Mr. Nash said it was interesting to notice the number of ladies who participated in the activities of tho society, and it was gratifying that they had not been overlooked in the matter of trophies. Tho various winners expressed their appreciation and thanks to fellowmembers.

On behalf of tho society, Mrs. J. A. Edwards, the lady member of tho com mittee, asked Mr. E. (J. Watson to accept a travelling rug in token of appreciation for his line work as secretary. Mrs. Watson was also thanked lor tho part she had played, and musical honours were accorded, Mr. Watson suitably responded. Mr. K. N. Struthers moved a comprehensive voto of thanks to donors of trophies, to Messrs. A. E. Mansion! and N. H. Nash for donations; to adjudicators; to thoso who had contributed to tho musical programme; and to Mrs. Carlton and tho Piccadilly staff. “Auld Lang Sync” concluded proceedings. It was further announced that Miss M. Murray, who had been an interested visitor, although not a member, had donated a trophy to be allocated as tho committee thought best.