DIOCESE OF DUNEDIN

New Zealand Tablet, 3 July 1913, Page 35

DIOCESE OF DUNEDIN

Last week the members of the local branch of the Hibernian Society held their annual social in the Victoria Hall, and the function proved a decided success. The thanks of St. Joseph’s branch are due to their Gore brethren for sending two representatives, in Sister Martin and Bro. Daly, who expressed themselves as well pleased with their reception. The committee are deeply grateful to Mrs.. Hill and her able assistants for presiding over the supper-room. V,-—. - On Monday evening the members of St. Joseph’s Men’s Club held a debate with the members of" St. Joseph’s Ladies’ Club, the subject for discussion being ‘ When women compete with men in trades and professions should they be paid the same rate of wages?’ The occasion being the first in. the history of either club when a debate between members of the opposite sex had taken place, there was a very large attendance of members of both clubs, and the keenest interest and rivalry existed throughout the discussion. The ladies, as was to be expected, led in the affirmative, and are to be warmly complimented on the success of their efforts. Without exception they spoke with fluency and ease, and presented their arguments in a logical and convincing manner, and infused into their remarks more humor than their opponents. The Rev. Father Coffey, Adm., who officiated as judge, expressed his entire satisfaction with the debate, and, in awarding the negative side the victory by a margin of 19 points, said that the result might easily have been reversed, but as was natural on their first appearance, the ladies did not possess the confidence, necessary to make effective replies to preceding ■ speakers, and they, therefore, despite their very good matter, good delivery, and good arrangement, could ■ not score so successfully as their opponents, who had paid more attention to actual debating. He was sure, however, that with a little more experience the club would produce some v.ery effective speakers. The Rev. Father Buckley occupied the chair.