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The Spike or Victoria College Review, June 1905

The Debating Contest

The Debating Contest.

"Noise proves nothing. Often a hen who has merely laid an egg cackles as if she had laid an asteroid."

Mark Twain.

Judges—Hon. Sir Robert Stout, K.C.M.G., C.J., Rev. T. H. Sprott, M.A. and Mr J. W. Joynt, M.A.

The subject chosen for debate this year was the light and airy proposition "That Mr Chamberlain's Fiscal Proposals are fraught with Danger to the British Empire." Auckland University College was drawn to take the affirmative against Victoria College whilst Otago University had to take the negative in opposition to Canterbury College. S. Mays led the way for Auckland and although his attack lacked fire at first he warmed up considerably towards the end. G. Toogood was just the same "old George." He did not exactly demolish Mr Mays, but he got well on to "those vampires" who are preying on British trade. L. T. Pickmere, who followed, had the great advantage of arguing from conviction—and it soon became clear that he knew what he was speaking about. His delivery, however, was too monotonous and his fluent speech was too much wanting in verve to allowhim to appeal strongly to the public. H. H. Ostler who was not arguing from conviction, made a good speech. He walked with confidence amidst a maze of figures which he forced on his audience by means of scrolls—written in his own handwriting. The audience did not take the figures too seriously and the "roughs" at the back of the Hall, who knew the speaker's views, palpably gurgled at the thought of "the vultures" who were tearing the vitals of Britain's commerce.

A. S. Taylor broke the ice for Canterbury College. He was fluent and forcible if somewhat mechanical, and showed true human sympathy by stating the case from the point of view of page 17 the "submerged" classes of Great Britain and the teeming millions of India. J. B. Callan made up what he lacked in volume of sound by velocity of utterance—and it was with difficulty that the flow could be cut off. He showed skill in the manipulation of similes and was withal solid in thought and finished in expression. A. B. Chappell, the champion of two former years was well up to his old form. He had a grasp of his subject matter and a skill in turning his points which was almost too didactic in style to get hold of his audience. L. T. Burnard who followed him was much more natural. His sunny smile and bright wit went straight to the hearts of the people, whilst his intelligent grasp of his subject and ready adaptation of the opposing arguments must have put him well in favour with the judges.

Sir Robert Stout announced that the debate had been won by Otago and hearty cheers for the victors ended the proceedings.