ST. BENEDICT'S CLUB, AUCKLAND

New Zealand Tablet, 14 August 1913, Page 43

ST. BENEDICT'S CLUB, AUCKLAND

(From the club correspondent.) -' I ■"■':.■■■ There was a record attendance; at the meeting;of ■St. Benedict's Club on July 24,when the debate, That war between England and Germany is imminent,- took place. The Rev. Father Forde, who occupied the chair, , extended a hearty welcome to the Right 'Rev. Mgr. Brodie, who acted as judge. He thanked those who had. come in such large numbers to encourage the participants in the debate, for by their presence they showed their appreciation -of the work being done by the members of the club. The affirmative side was taken by Messrs. A. Rose (leader), J. G. Foy, ; N. Mahony, H. Ward, and M. Lynch, and the negative by Messrs. A. J. Fernandez (leader), J. J. Furlong, F. G. J. Temm, and A. Hynes. Mr. R. Hanson was unable to be present, consequently the negative side was allowed the minimum marks scored by the affirmative. In opening the debate, Mr. A. Rose showed in a very clear manner that Germany was not serious when she proposed to settle international differences by arbitration. He then referred to the German Dreadnought programme, which was a very ambitious one, and contended that the Germans were suffering from what was commonly known as ' swelled head.' Mr. A. Hynes (negative) said that the likelihood of war between England and Germany was very remote, whilst the unpleasantness that existed between the two countries was due in a great measure to an extremist press, which, in its own interests, sought to create sensations. •Continuing the debate for the affirmative side, Mr. H. Ward gave some interesting figures regarding the population of Germany, and he asserted that the German • people were increasing to such an extent that German limits were taxed so greatly that territory must be obtained outside the Fatherland. • As most of the land which was required by Germany was now occupied by Great Britain, the only way that Germany could obtain her requirements was by war. Mr. Temm (negative) admitted the , strength of Germany on the seas, and therefore England, by maintaining a large navy, was only protecting her own interests. Some interesting figures, regarding trade between the two countries, were given by Mr. Temm, who said that for years to come German territory would be equal to any demand made by the growth of her population. Mr. Mahony (affirmative) contended that the people of both countries were jealous of one another. Germany had her eyes on Australia, and she might at any moment declare war with the object of securing an extension of her colonies. Owing to apathy England was unprepared for war, and Germany would take advantage of the opportunity. Mr. Furlong (negative) contended that the affirmative side did not discriminate between what was imminent and what was inevitable, and that they had failed to give any reasons why war should take place at all. He contended that if Germany were to declare war at the present time she lacked the means of transporting her troops, which was most essential. Mr. J. C. Foy (affirmative) compared the naval strength of the two countries, and asserted that the German navy, was not, as contended, for protection, but for aggression, and that England stood in the path of Germany and her ambition. In concluding for the affirmative side Mr. Lynch dealt with the German naval policy and its objects, and how these objects were a menace to Great Britain. Mr. Fernandez wound up the debate by replying for the negative side. He contended that jealousy was not sufficient in itself to cause the two nations to indulge in a conflict. He showed that the German people, especially the German workmen, were opposed to war. In summing up Monsignor Brodie commented on the general excellence of the speeches, and remarked that he had listened with great interest to them. He

exhorted the members to persevere in .the good work in which they showed such talent. '.■"._ The 'following', are the- marks allotted to each speaker:—Affirmative— Kose, 82 Mr. Ward, 61; Mr. Mahony, 71; Mr. Foy, 79; Mr. Lynch, 85 ; team management, 20 total— Negative— Fernandez, 80; Mr. Furlong, 83; Mr. Hynes, 70; Mr. Temm--68 extra, 61; team management, 20; total— The affirmative thus won by 10 points. - * >