DEBATERS FOR U.S.A.

Sun (Auckland), Volume III, Issue 672, 25 May 1929, Page 16

DEBATERS FOR U.S.A.

FIRST TOUR BY NEW ZEALANDERS HEAVY ITINERARY (Special to THE SUN) WELLINGTON, Today. The three debaters from Victoria College are to leave Auckland in September on their tour of the United States. They are Messrs. W. J. Hall, M.A., G. R. Powles, LL.B., and W J Mountjoy The three will be the first debating team front any university in New Zealand to undertake an overseas tour. The project is the result of an Invitation from the National Students’ Federation of America to the Victoria College Debating Society. A detailed itinerary has not been drawn up, but it was stated with the invitation that there would be debates at 25 United States institutions at least. There is also a possibility that the New Zealanders will visit Canadian universities. The American tour will close on December 14. Variety is disclosed in the subjects suggested for debate. One of them, “That the modern sporting girl makes a better wife than the girl of 50 years ago,” is certain to bring refreshing views from the Americans, and the opinions of the New Zealanders may be listened to with interest in the United States. The New Zealanders have the affirmative. In another subject, “That the British Empire is in grave danger of disintegration,” the New Zealanders are taking the negative. This is recognised as an important subject, and the arguments by the Americans in favour of the suggestion will be awaited eagerly by debating enthusiasts. The other subjects involve up-to-the-minute problems. The Victoria College Council, after a full discussion on the> tour and its connection with the college control, decided to make a grant of £25 toward, the tour. One member was opposed to the grant on the ground that the Auditor-General would consider that money was being thrown away by the council. All three members of the party have distinguished platform records.