COUNTRY NEWS

Southland Times, Issue 18933, 21 September 1920, Page 2

COUNTRY NEWS

OTAHUTT. On Monday evening, September 13 at Otahuti, an inter-club debate took place between the Presbyterian Men’s League, of Invercargill, and the Otahuti Literary and Debating Society. The subject debated was; “Should Compulsory Military Training be Abolished?’’ and the affirmative was taken by Otahuti. The Invercargill team consisted of Messrs G. Cruickshank, S.M.. J. S. Baxter, Tait, and Carswell,‘ and Otahuti was represented by Messrs R. McDonald, A. McKenzie, Ron. Sim and Thos. McKenzie. The Rev. J. Lawson Robinson, of First Church, Invercargill acted as judge and Mr D. McFarlane as chairman and timekeeper. Each speech was judged under the following headings and marks: Matter 25; manner 15; language 10. The visiting team scored 177 marks and Otahuti 168.

The judge commented upon the effort of each speaker, pointing out his strong and weak points, an action very much appreciated by the speakers and of edification to all. Mr Robinson and Mr Cruickshank congratulated Otahuti upon having such a society and upon the talent displayed, remarking that it was a great pity that more such societies were not in existence.

Mr S. Buxton thanked the Invercargill representatives for their kindness in coming out, and expressed the welcome of the local society to them. Mr R. McDonald thanked Mr Robinson, with whose decision everyone would agree, and whose capabilities as a judge were undoubted. The assemblage then sang “For They Are Jolly Good Fellows.” Supper was provided and altogether a most enjoyable and educationc] evening was spent. WEST PLAINS. A pleasant evening was spent at West Plains on Friday when the young ladies entertained fiieir friends to a plain and fancy dress ball. The hall was prettily decorated with greenery and showed much taste on the part of those responsible. Messrs Allen and Maloney supplied the music, and dancing was kept up till 2 a.m. Some of the principal characters were: J. Forde “Chiropodist," P. Staunton “Cow Spanker,” V. Lavelle “Fly Catcher.” Miss D. Staunton looked charming as “Country,” and Miss Affleck as a “Goblin.” J. McDougall caused much sensation as a “White Baiter,” and Peter Cuihanc as an “Eel bobber.” Miss J. Cosgrove appeared as “Queen of Hearts” with Alex. Dawson as “Knave.” Miss Letf.jr Lavelle as “Cow Boy” and Miss C. Mullan as "Scotch Lassie.” During (he evening she danced the Canadian three step much to the appreciation of the guests. Miss Peggy Culhane appeared as a “Jockey” and Miss Matty Howell as a “Dairymaid.”