DUNEDIN D.L.F. LITERARY AND DEBATING CLUB.

Otago Witness, Issue 3149, 22 July 1914, Page 71

DUNEDIN D.L.F. LITERARY AND DEBATING CLUB.

Motto: “Union is Stiength. ’ The above club held its usual weekly meeting in Dot’s room on July 14 at 8 p.m. Those present were: Oriel, president; Oraen, senior vice-president; Dewdrop, junior vicepresident ; Dulcie, secretary; 3?ossum, C.M.R.; Auntie Tim, Silverdale, and Elbon. The President extended a cordial welcome to Auntie Tim. The evening was set aside as Orsen’s night and impromptu night. Orsen first spoke impromptu on Home Rule. The following £av© extempore speeches;—Possum, “The liquor Question”; Silverdale, “Should the Government Encourage Immigration?” Dewdrop, “Should We Have Compulsory Military Training?” Orsen, “Late Parliament Sittings.” Orsen then gave a prepared speech on “The British Flag.” The subject for July 21 is a debate — Are Clothes an Index to People’s Character? Silverdale leads, for the affirmative side, support ed by Dewdrop; Elbon leads for the negative side, supported by Orsen. July 28.—Open meeting. —To Country Members. — August 11 will be devoted to country members specially, and country members only carl enter for a piize on this subject; not less than six papers are to be sent in or no prize will be given. The subject is; “My Favourite Hobby, and Why.” DULCIE, Secretary. C.M.R REPORT. Dear Comrades,—Auntie Tim was the only visitor at our meeting held on the 14th inst., and to him Oriel, on behalf of the members, extended a cordial welcome. Enthusiasm was rife in the clubroom, although the weather detained many would-be attenders.. Those present had one of the most enjoyable evenings held this year. Green gave an impromptu speech on Home Rule. In his opinion Home Rule would mean the economic ruin of Ireland owing to the opposite temperaments of the northern and southern people The remainder of the evening was devoted to extempore speeches. Possum spoke on “How to Counteract the Evils of the LiquorTraffic.” Her method, while prohibition is unable 1o be put in force, is to catch the men with the publican’s bait. Provide houses or halls comfortably and cosily furnished, good literature, daily papers, and a emoks-room where they can converse with each other. For refreshment have tea, coffee, and cocoa and bread-and-butter at a nominal figure. In fact, place no restriction on the frequenters save that they must respect the cause and remain sober while in the rooms. Silverdale spoke on “Should the Government Encourage Immigration?" No, for the country is young, work is plentiful, and labourers plentiful without importing them. The wrong class is brought out. They are willing to work for less wages than the New Zealander, and so undo all the good the trade unions have done. Men with a little capital and plenty of enterprise are the sort needed. Orsen spoke on “The Present Parliamentary Session,” stating what had been done and what has yet to be put through. Tie was in favour of Bible in schools, but not in the manner in which the referendum is to be taken. Dewdrop spoke on “The Compulsory Military Training Scheme.” She is in favour of it; it makes men of the young fellows, gives them a moral and physical training that they otherwise would not have received. The Volunteer system was inefficient; the country must be defended, and compulsion is the only manner in which it can he done effeclively. Oriel pointed out one or two mistakes in the speeches of the above speakers, and gave a brief outline of Volunteer work and the cause of its downfall. The information thus attained set to rights a few erroneous views on the subject of defence. This led to a discussion, when many views were exchanged and all benefited thereby. Orsen next delivered a prepared speech on “The British Flag.” The British flag means the British race. He spoke of the rise of Britain and its evident decline; half-hearted-ness and overconfidence were sapping the vitals of the mil ion, Compulsory training was the only- tiring that would give Britain back her place. This speech also evoked a discussion. The cause pf the decline of Britain, in the opinion of the majority, was too much pleasure, division between the various parties, and intemperance. The only manner to save her was to educate the masses. The evening proved very helpful, and another extempore night will be held again shortly, July 28.—Open meeting. Now is your opportunity to send in a paper. Any subject of interest, either original or selected. All are welcome. August 4.—Please note the subject:. “Will Britain Decay as the Nations of Antiquity Have Done?” This subject, although on the syllabus before, is such . a good one, and so many views may be advanced, that the committee decided to invito the country members to expound their ideas. Please write and state what you think of the subject. Special.—“My Favourite Hobby, and Why.” A prize is to he awarded to the country meinber who sends in the best paper on this subject. One stipulation has been made: at least six papers must be sent in or no prize will be awarded. Why not try your hand ? August 11 is the night set apart for the reading of such papers. Photos.—Country members desiring photos please remit la fid to me, and the photo will be sent by return post. Please order early, that I may “square up” with the photographer. * For further information on club matters please apply to—Yours sincerely, * POSSUM, C.M.R.