Hokitika

New Zealand Tablet, 18 March 1920, Page 33

Hokitika

On the evening of the 26th ult. a meeting of the young men of the parish was held to consider the advisability of re-forming the St. Mary’s Club and Debating Society (writes a correspondent). Mr. Warren was elected to the chair, and the matter was fully discussed. In the end it was resolved to form a Literary and Debating Sosiety, and for that purpose the following officers w f ere elected, with the Very Rev. Dean Tubman, S.M., as patron and spiritual director; —President, Mr. J. P. Ward; vicepresident, Mr. Howe secretary , T Mr. V. Toomey; treasurer. Mr. P. J. McCarthy; club correspondent, Mr. W. P. McCarthy. A strong committee was also elected to carry out the work of the club. On the following Tuesday evening (March 2), an impromptu speech competition was held in the club rooms. The president (Mr. J. P. Ward), in welcoming the visitors, said he had much pleasure in introducing to ‘them Mr. T. Rosewarne, an elocutionist of wide experience and ability, who had kindly consented to act as judge and critic. He also mentioned that Mr. Brocklehurst had donated n handsome gold medal to be awarded to the winner of the contest. There were about 10 entrants, and a large audience gathered to hear the spccchmaking. Before the competitors left the room Mr. Rosewarno fully explained his method of awarding marks, and as each returned to the room he was informed of the subject to be spoken on, which was “How would you spend an annual income of £10,000?” The “spending” of the ten thousand pounds caused no little amusement to the audience, and every speech was fully appreciated. When the last competitor had finished speaking the judge gave his decision, and Air. P. J. McCarthy, with 87 marks, was awarded the gold medal. Air. J. P. Ward and Mr. G. Wormington, with 84 marks each, tied for second place; and Mr. A. AlcCarthy, with 82 marks, obtained third place. The other competitors were Alessrs. Warren, Cahill. Downey, W. McCarthy. AlcCullough, and Brennan. At the president’s request. Air. Rosewarne gave a few' items. In all of them he showed that he 'was a past-master in the art of elocution. and his rendering of the subjects was greatly appreciated. The judge then presented the gold medal to Mr. P. J. AlcCarthy. who suitably responded. Mr. Wormingte.n moved a heartv vote of thanks to Air. Rosewarne and to Air. Bi •ocklehurst, which was seconded by Air. Warren and carried by acclamation. The meeting then terminated.