HIBERNIAN SOCIETY.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 20426, 5 June 1928, Page 5

HIBERNIAN SOCIETY.

The Rev. Dr Morkane, rector of Holy Cross College, Mosgiel, recently entertained the members of the Hibernian Social Debating Club with a very interesting talk on his recent travels abroad. After a few preliminary remarks on his outward voyage to Europe, via the Suez Canal, Dr' Morkane graphically described his impressions of Egypt, Palestine and Syria. Commencing with the famous city of Cairo, he spoke of its cosmopolitan population—a feature common also of the other historic places he visited. Desertwards towards the Nile, the lecturer made reference to the journey and sights to be witnessed en route, and to the fertility of the Nile delta which it would he impossible to overestimate. Making the journey by moonlight from Cairo to El Kantara, on the banks of the canal, the crossing over was effected and the journey resumed by rail to Jerusalem. Tins railway, built in war time as an aid to the military occupation of Palestine and Syria, was run on quite modem lines, providing both sleeping and dining accommodation. Dr Morkane was deeply impressed with his experiences during Holy Week in Jerusalem, a city sacred to all Christians. He then took his hearers on to Beyrout, but at that point the lecture had to be concluded, as the hour was too late for its continuance. The speaker was accorded a hearty vote of thanks, and the unanimous wish was expressed that the lecture should be continued at a later date. The debate on the question of which party was best fitted to govern the interests of the Dominion was held last week by the society. The speakers who advocated the cause of their respective parties were as follows: Reform platform, Messrs J. P. Ward and R. A. King; Labour platform, Messrs J. J. Marlow*, jun. and P. Nash; United Party platform, Messrs A. J. and F Moloney. ° The Rev. Father Tylee, who judged the debate, awarded his decision to the supporters of the -United Party. • r