MEETINGS.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XLV, Issue 13708, 26 March 1908, Page 3

MEETINGS.

UNIVERSITY DEBATING SOCIETY. The Auckland University Debating Society hold a trial debate in the English lectureroom last evening, when the subject question as to whether the British Empire would decline unless a system of compulsory military service were adopted was discussed, Messrs. W. E. Moore, LL.B., and M. 11. Hampson, LL.B., taking the affirmative, and Miss Mona Browne, M.A., and Mr. F. G. Dunlop, LL.B., the negative. The judges were: Messrs. F. E. Baume, M.P., A. M. Myers, and Professor Dettman, and they gave their decision in favour of Messrs. Moore and Hampson. Mr. Baumc, in announcing the result, criticised each speech, and gave the speakers a number of hints, the adoption of which he considered would help them considerably on future, occasions. Subsequently the annual, meeting of the societj was held, Professor Jar man presiding. The annual report stated that considerable progress had been made during the past year, but it was regrettable that tile society had not a larger membership. Messrs. W. E. Moore and Hampson had represented the society at the annual inter-' Varsity debating tournament, and they had been awarded second place, Victoria College gaining first honours. The balance'-sheet was of a favourable nature. The.report and balance-sheet were adopted, and Professor Dettman was elected president 'for the ensuing year, while Messrs. Moore and Hampson were again selected to represent the society at the forthcoming inter-'Varsity tournament, which will take place at Dunedin in about three weeks' time. PROTESTANT ALLIANCE. The 27th annual and 6th biennial grand council meeting of th*> Now Zealand Protestant Alliance Friendly Society of Australasia was held yesterday in the Chamber of Commerce, Swanson-street. Audited . accounts and statements showed the accumulated funds under the ' grand council to amount to £7507 17s 6d, and the subordinate lodges had to their credit the sum of £SOS 9 15s lid, with a membership of 885. During the period under review £1994 15s lid had been paid to sick members and £530 in death claims. Interest collected from funds invested had paid all funeral claims and left a, credit balance of £125 12s sd, consequently the usual quarterly contributions would remain intact. A large amount of business affecting the general working of the society was transacted, and it was decided to hold a, special session at Wellington next year for the purpose of altering certain rules, provided that there be no legal, obstacles in the way. The officers elected were: — j R.W.G.M., Bro. H. H. Seabrook; D.G.M., I Bro. T. H. May G. sec, Bro. J. M. Tregaskis: G. treas.', Bro. S. G. Burns; G. chaplain, Bro. J. Middleton; P. masters, Bros. W. J. Lumly, W. J. Joynt, and H. L. McKinstry; auditors, Bros. J. C. Badelcy and J. Stevens: G.M. representative in South Island, Bro.' J. Middleton (Christchurch).