Debating Society.

Otautau Standard and Wallace County Chronicle, Volume IV, Issue 168, 21 July 1908, Page 4

Debating Society.

The fortnightly meeting of the above Society was held on Thursday evening,- when, despite the inclemency of the weather, sufficient enthusiasts rolled up to- afford a good night's discussion. "The subject of debate was : "Ik a i White Australia possible or desirable.". *The affirmative was to have been taken by Mr G. H. Stevens, but owing to his absence m the country, liis place was filled after the meeting opened by Messrs King and Fisher. The negative was m the hands of Mr R. Smith. The affirmative naturally suffered through lack of preparation, still they made a good debate, but were quite outclassed by Mr Smith, who very ably conducted his argument, and was well supported by •Messrs A. Saunders and J. J.Boyd. On being put to the vote, the negative won by a two to one majority. A committee meeting' was held last night, and a syllabus drawn up for the remainder of the season, of which the following is an outline : — 30th July.— Debate, "Should bachelors be taxed?" August 13th.— Questions, "What trait m man do you most admire, and why ?" Same m woman, former by a lady member, latter by gentleman^ "What will be the. effect on civilisation if women compete equally with men m all avenues of work ?" Papers by a lady and gentleman. "Is there a tendency on the part of woman to shirk marriage ?" Same question regarding man ;. papers on the subjects by the opposite sexes. "Is the tendency on the part of women to overdress?" Affirmative by a lady, negative by a gentleman. August 27th.— Humorous Nigbt. Humorous readings— English, Scotoh, Irish and American. Songs, recitations, and pianoforte selections at intervals. September 10th. — Parliamentary Election ; Government, Opposition, ludependent and Labour candidates September 24th— Debate, "Which is the more happy, - barbarian or, civilised roan ?" October Bth. — Inter-club debate with Fairfax. October 22nd, r- Grand wind-up' social. The Society already numbers SO members, and others liave 'intimated their imeatioa of -joiMkg,