The Debates.

In the first debate of the Session, R. G. M. Park maintained that a "Students' Boarding House on co-operative lines" was eminently desirable. Having exhausted the resources of the English language, he claimed the Parliamentary privilege of an interpreter, and H. Ostler rose to the occasion by giving a somewhat free though poetical translation of the rhythmic Maori periods. W. Newbury and A. Tudhope brought much legal acumen to destroy the plaintiff's case.

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"The Elevating Influence of the Stage" was discussed at the next meeting. The affirmative position was moved by F. A. de la Mare, who was supported by Miss F. Smith. J. Buddle and C. Collins were eloquent in opposition, and carried the voting in a thin house by 13 to 9.

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Professor Wall, of Canterbury College, in a letter to the secretary of the Students' Association, asked that the Association should discuss a scheme by which he considered the value of the New Zealand pass degrees might be raised by means of a system of specialisation. The idea was that a wide range of subjects should occupy the first year at College, with a comparatively easy examination at the end. In the second year the number of subjects should be reduced, and the standard of examination raised, while in the third year specialisation should be carried a step farther. In other words, the examination year by year should lose in extension and gain in intention. The Students' Association suggested Professor Wall's scheme as a subject for the Debating Society's consideration, and the question was settled once and for all by 14 votes to 6, in favour of the scheme. A. H. Johnstone set forth the disadvantages of the present system and the advantages of the proposed change, and he was supported by H. H. Ostler. J. A. Brailsford and with him A. G. Quartley, the one with humorous subtlety, the other with dramatic intensity, supported modification without revolution. Professor Mackenzie, while agreeing with the spirit of the suggestion, thought it unsuited to the condition of student life in New Zealand, and advocated a modification of the Scotch system. Most of the other speakers supported Professor Wall.

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The Session promises to be a very successful and enjoyable one, and we cordially invite all students and their friends to attend. Non-members are allowed to speak, but not to vote. There is an annual Essay Competition in connection with the Society, for which a prize is offered. The subject for this year is "Student Types."