FRIENDLY DEBATE.

Otago Witness, Issue 2168, 12 September 1895, Page 37

FRIENDLY DEBATE.

A very enjoyable debate was held in St. Joseph's Conveat Schoolroom, Dowling street, on the night of the 4tb, between the members of tha Congregational Church Mutual Improvement Society and St. Joseph's Literary Society. Mr C B. naughton occupied the chair, and there was a Urge attendance of members and friends of both societies. An apology waa received from tha Rev. Mr Saundcrf, who could not attend, and the Chairman also apologised for the absence of tho Very Rev. Father Lynch, Administrator, vrho is at present in the North Island. The subject of the debate waa "ShouM New Zealand Federate With Australia ? " The affirmative side wa3 tak«Q foe the St. Jo3>ph'a Society by Mersrs Marlow, Htusey, Carolin, J. Halley, and P. Halley. The negative sido was taken by the Moray Place Society, whose speakers were Messis Holmes (leader), M'Gil', Burlinson, Gillman, and Harris. Some very able speeches were made on both aides. On the motion being put to the meeting, tho chairman declared a tie, and said that owing to the excellent manner in which both sides had treated the subject he could not give his casting vote as to which society had won the honours o£ debate. Mr Culling, in proposing a vote of thanks, referred to the good feelinjc displayed by the speakers and the good results derived from such meetings. Mr J. B Callan, in seconding tbe vote. al<o referred to the good feeling displayed and the pleasure it gave him to be present that evening to listen to such an excellent debate. He admitted that if he had been in the chaiunan's place he would have found it difficult to give a casting vote— the speeches were so evenly balanced. Light refrekhments were then handed round, and a very pleasant half-hour was spent before the visitors departed. A word of praise is due to the ladles who worked so hard to make the entertainment a success.

The treasurer of tho Free Kindergarten Association acknowledges receipt of tte following subscriptions :~Otago Witness Little Folk*' kindergarten fund, £2 ; Mra Raphael, £1 la ; monthly collections, la 6d.