V.U.C. Loses Joynt Scroll

O'Connor Second for Bledisloe

The six University Colleges competed in the debates and Lincoln, which opposed the motion moved by Otago University, "That the inheritance of wealth should be abolished," was placed first. Mr. Jim Taylor, who was the leader for Lincoln, certainly deserved his place as the best speaker of the evening and he was outstanding for the logical and moderate statement of his case.

The most entertaining debate was that between Massey College and Canterbury College, which was" That New Zealand for her future benefit should link up with the United States of America." The resulting arguments, which were completely at cross purposes, showed that the people who frame the wordings of debates must exercise great care not to have statements which allow several interpretations. Our sympathy in this debate was more with the chairman than the contestants because the heated replies of the speakers needed all his efforts to keep the peace.

The third debate between Victoria and Auckland was unusual in that all the speakers were women. They debated on the subject. "That the divorce laws should be relaxed," and the dignified manner in which they conducted the debate produced disappointed comments from those members of the audience who had expected an outburst of feminine illogicality.

The Bledisloe Medal, which was held on the 30th August, produced some interesting speeches in widely varying styles. Mr. Bradley, of Otago University, was placed first for his speech on "Judge Denniston," which he delivered in an easy and forceful style. Mr. O'Connor, who came second, spoke on "Mother Mary Aubert" and gave the impression that he was intensely interested and well informed about what he had to say.

The other speakers and their subjects were, Mr. Petrie (C.U.C.), "The transition from Provincialism to Nationalism in New Zealand," Mr. Barton (O.U.). "Fergus Blair Maclaren," Mr. Hey (C.A.C.) "Rewi Manga Maniopoto." Miss Taylor (V.U.C.) "Samuel Butler and New Zealand," Miss Carter (C.U.C.) "The Enfranchisement of Women in New Zealand." Mr. Taylor (C.A.C.) "Lt.-Gen. Sir Bernard Freyberg. V.C."

The speakers from Victoria were billetted at Lincoln College and even if not successful in bringing home the prizes were most grateful to Lincoln for the wonderful time they had. The weather unfortunately prevented a tour of the Lincoln farm itself but the kindness of students and staff made up for any lack of sightseeing. The wonderful dinners that the Matron turned on were alone worth the visit. Lincoln has expanded greatly in the past year and their present buildings are entirely inadequate for their needs as well as being rather antiquated.

Large scale improvements are being planned and building has already begun. Lincoln is a very old college and it deserves recognition for the fine work which is being done there.

Our contestants were royally entertained at dinner before the contests and at a dance after Bledisloe Medal which was described by one outstanding speaker as a means of cementing the friendly relations between the colleges. The students of Lincoln also took some of the speakers for a drive round the Christchurch Hills the next day—which was exciting from more than the scenic point of view.

We would like on behalf of the Victoria College to express our thanks to the staff and students of Lincoln. The Matron, who has an exacting task tending the health and welfare of so many students, deserves a special vote of thanks for her wonderful care of the delegates. Mr. Taylor, Secretary of the Debating Club, also went out of his way to make the stay particularly enjoyable. Occasions like these give an opportunity of seeing a college life quite different from our own and V.U.C. speakers at least will in future have a very great respect for the intelligence and kindness of farmers and very pleasant memories of Lincoln.

—J.T.