Well, the Debating Society, after having most successfully conveyed the impression that it had gone into winter quarters for the duration, staged a snappy come-back at the Annual Meeting on Friday. The sparks flew in pre-blackout fashion.

Legality.

The trouble was constitutional though President Foley ran into trouble right from the start when certain remarks got under the skin of some of the audience. We smelled fun and trouble and did we get it? All that delightful Presidential address gone for nothing. Bert's well balanced sentences and careful gestures seemed to leave the audience unmoved. A pity, because it put him off his stride and when he became cautious, the hunt was on.

Tony Chorlton was chief troublemaker. He had taken an unfair advantage of the Committee and had managed to locate a copy of the Constitution. While Foley et freres had ambled happily along in blissful ignorance of the book of words. Mr. Chorlton's legal mind demanded that the meeting ratify itself every now and then—which the meeting obligingly did.

Secret Ballot.

More fun over the election of officers. Mr. Foley conducted a most undignified argument from the Chair with members of the audience on the subject of Patron. However it was decided that the Governor-General would look pretty on the books, so they let that pass (did it signify?). Mr. Foley then hemmed a little; knew the Constitution didn't provide for Vice-Patrons, but it was always decorative to have several about the place. He recommended several Professors, then O. E. Burton was suggested. It was decided to adhere to the Constitution.

After arbitrarily appointing scrutineers, the Chair was called to order by the meeting which demanded that scrutineers be constitutionally elected. So three startled freshers and an old hand, Mr. Jack, proceeded to conduct everything constitutionally.

Plunket Medal.

Another hornets' nest—the Plunket Medal. Mr. Foley wished to extend the scope of the subjects beyond a person in history. Miss Grinlinton waxed eloquent over the wishes of that biological curiosity—Lord Plunket and his four-fathers; but Mr. Foley thought 4Ff or no 4Ff the contest had been a failure. As might have been expected Mr. Chorlton disagreed and produced to support his views a quotation about a girl in Australia who dressed as a dahlia and the petals uncurled—well it was a failure. Mr. Chorlton defined a failure as something which does not cover its object. Loud ribaldry greeted this remark—something lewd no doubt.

From then on the meeting developed into a happy little wrangle between Messrs. F. and C. with occasional interpolations from the audience. A lovely time was had by all who were present, but ask Mr. Foley if he is of sound constitution and see what happens.

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