DEBATING SOCIETIES’ UNION

New Zealand Times, Volume XXX, Issue 6494, 14 April 1908, Page 6

DEBATING SOCIETIES’ UNION

ANNUAL REPORT. The annual meeting of the Debating Societies’ Union will 06 held to-morrow evening. The annual report of the executive states that during the year a debating tournament among the affiliated societies was successfully concluded, Y.M.C.A. proving successful in the final. The interest manifested by members of societies and the general public was proved by the large attendances at the various contests. An oratorical contest was held, at which the Y.M.C.A. representative, MrJ.il. A. Holt, was awarded first place. This competition, was keenly contested, and should undoubtedly bo repeated this year. The Union Parliament had a very useful session, doing excellent work, but the attendance was Bomewhat spoiled at times through tho confusion occasioned by changing meeting places. This matter will be submitted. for consideration. During the year a couple of clnl>s exchanged very enjoyable visits, and it is hoped that this means of promoting good fellowship and tho aims of the union will be more generally resorted to in the coming season. The union has been ap preached with a view to holding competitions with teams from Wanganui and Woodville. and commends the matter to tho consideration of the incoming executive. The executive recognise that there is great scope for usefulness, and record with satisfaction the remarkable and growing enthusiasm of tho public in supporting their efforts. They record appreciation of the kindness shown by Hon. T. W. Hislop (the Mayor), Mr •T. E. Palmer (Town Clerk), and Mr Leslie (custodian of Town Halt) on those occasions when the Concert Chamber was placed at the disposal of the union for contests; they thank Mr Granville Hunt for the manner in which he judged all the contests. The union’s executive presented Mr Hunt with several volumes as a token of tho esteem in which they held him. The executive appreciate the valuable work done by its secretary (Mr A. C. Bretherton).