Debating Society Enjoys Mock Council Meeting

Manawatu Times, Volume 64, Issue 170, 21 July 1939, Page 4

Debating Society Enjoys Mock Council Meeting

There was a large attendance at the weekly meeting of the Palmerston North Literary and Debating Society when the evening was devoted to a mock special city council meeting to discuss a suitable Centennial memorial. Mr. C. F. Spooner occupied the Mayoral chair.

Mr. T. C. Watson, supported by Mr. A. C. Philpott, proposed a winter garden. Mr. J. S. Hornblow and Miss J. Northey supported a civic centre, Opera House and sound shell.. Mr. L. Crawford and Mr. G. Pratt proposed tho renovation of the Opera House. Mrs. E. L. Christian, supported by Mr. H. J. King, discussed a residential nursery. Mr. H. J. King also supported a proposal to beautify tho To Awe Awe lagoon.

A deputation of ratepayers, headed by Mr. F. Stewart, waited on the council and proposed a boulevard from Terrace End to Longburn; a residential nursery and renovation of the Opera House. This was supported by Mr. E. L. Christian.

Suggestions for a fountain, proposed by Mr. Brill, a museum by Mr. Loudoun, lapsed through lack of suppcir. The correct procedure for council meeting was adhered to. Mr. T. C. Watson was awarded the King Cup for the best speech. After the council meeting there were a number of impromptu speeches: Mr. Buchan, “That a 5,000,000 Club should be Encouraged"; Mr. E. L. Christian, “That the Talking Picture is of Educational Value"; Mr. L. Crawford, “Is the Savage Happy"; Mrs. T. Smidt, “40-hour Week"; Mr. F. Stewart, “That the Arbitration Court is not in the Best Interest to tho Worker"; Mr. Loudon, “Have Dictatorships been a Failure ?"

The Mrs. S. A. Carlton medal was awarded to Mr. Loudoun, and the A. E. Wright medallion to Mrs. T. Smidt for delivery.