ORATORICAL CONTEST.

Wanganui Herald, Volume XXXXV, Issue 12983, 26 January 1910, Page 7

ORATORICAL CONTEST.

Th© second annual contest in connection with the Wanganui Debating Union for a prize presented by His Worship the Mayor, took place last evening in St. Paul’s Hall, before a large and enthusiastic audience. In the absence of the president (Mr J. H. Keesing), Mr. Allan Robinson occupied the chair. Unfortunately only four of the seven advertised competitors took the platform, and these are to be congratulated upon their excellent efforts which showed a great improvement, on last year. The subject was “The Destiny ,of Now Zealand,” o.r “Some Notable New Zealander.” Those takng part were Messrs Brine, Lee Martin, Worsop, and Kernohan, tie two firstnamed taking the Political Destiny of New Zealand, ' and the latter two biography, the characters being Edward Gibbon Wakefield, and Thomas Bracken. The judges were Messrs Braik and G. MoCaui, the former judging matter, and the latter elocution, 50 points being allowed for each. The following was the placing— Matter. Elocution. Tl. Mr W. Lee Martin ...... 43 32—75 Mr Worsop) 36 34 —70 Mr Kernohan 26 42—68 Mr Brine ...„ 39 28—67 Judges’ remarks—Elocution—Mr Martin.—Free natural style on the platform, not cramped with notes, delivery impressive and fluent, voice somewhat strained. Mr Worsop—Nice attitude on platform, made good use of the pause; delivery clear and impressive. Mr Kernohan—A splendid effort, but spoke too quickly; pleasant and graceful style; easily first in elocution. Mr Brine—Rather stiff on platform; delivery not so good as previous speakers. Matter.—Judge’s remarks.—Mr Martin. —Well thought out and carefully arranged; illustrations good and to point ; keynote of address “Character and education will make a great nation,” played well on the imagination. Mr Worsop— General outline good, but subject did not give wide enough scope for imagination; arrangement . good. Mr Kernohan.— Would have liked to have given more marks, but original matter absent. Mr. Brine—Good solid sensible address, full of enthusiasm, keynote “Up with New Zealand.” During the evening the champion shield was presented to the Christ Church Club, they having won all their debates last season. A vote of thanks to judges and chair concluded a most enjoyable evening.