INTER-CLUB DEBATING

Otago Daily Times, Issue 22628, 20 July 1935, Page 25

INTER-CLUB DEBATING

PREFERENTIAL TARIFFS DISCUSSED. An inter-club prepared debate was held between the representatives of the Christian Brothers' High School and the Dunedin Hibernian Social and Debating Club when the subject discussed was “ That England Will Retain Her Dominions Only by a More Sympathetic System of Preferential Tariffs in the Marketing of Dominion Goods.” The affirmative was taken by the school team—Messrs 6. F. Curran (leader). J E. Hartstonge, and J. Bacos —and the negative by tne' club representatives Messrs G. ' Carroll (leader), S. Mee, and J. K. Dolan, Mr A. J. Dowling acted as judge. Mr Curran gave a brief survey of' the present British tariff policy, and said this would in time mean the loss of the dominions. Mr Carroll pointed out that there were ties other than those of trade which bound the dominions to England. What was required was not secession but the development of the Home and foreign markets. Mr Hartstonge reminded the audience that England had made the mistake of losing the American colonies, and would be well advised to grant preferential treatment to the dominions rather than repeat that mistake. Mr Mee said the dominions could not afford to stand alone. Individually, they were defenceless and completely impotent in world affairs. Mr Bacos stated that the dominions should cultivate outside markets and gradually render themselves independent of Great Britain. Mr Dolan said the only alternative to remaining within the Empire would be alliance with a foreign Power, which would be repugnant to the dominions. After the leaders had replied, the judge gave hie decision in favour of the affirmative side, and declared Mr Hartstonge the best speaker of the night.