"Plunket Medal" Contest.

The scene in the Girl's High School on the night of Saturday, September 9th, 1905, will be looked back to in years to come, not only by those who were there, but (when these have passed away) by silver-toned youths, who shall narrate the mighty deeds of "the late eminent statesman, Edward Fitzgibbon," or "the Demosthenes of the twentieth century, Harry Banks." The occasion was the first competition for the "Plunket Medal," presented by Lord Plunket, Governor of N. Z., to the Victoria College Debating Society. The donor himself occupied a seat on the platform, and round him was such an array of academic personnel (and costume) that must have made the heart of Joynt rejoice.

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Our chairman, H. P. Richmond, welcomed the guest, particularly Lord Plunket, and told of the things which might be accomplished by such competitions, in words that showed he recognized the occasion as historical.

The first of the orators was H. Banks. He had the difficult task of setting a standard, and he performed it. He had the voice for it. He said little about Wm. Pitt that had not been said before, but he said it well, and the audience followed him closely. Then came John Graham and "jumped down the audience's throat;" they found it hard to "swallow" him and laughed instead. Napoleon was the subject, and especially his greatness. Was he great morally? No! Mentally? No! He was great in action; and, one could not help thinking, so was Graham. He took two steps to the right—one—two; then three to the left—one—two—three; then sprang to the rear and threatened de la Mare's toe with "abolition"; then he rushed to the edge of the stage brandishing his limbs and declaiming in a voice that would have done credit to an infantry sergeant-major. Then suddenly his voice would drop to a murmur and his attitude would become that of pent-up intensity. It was unique. F. A. de La Mare's hero was Sir Peter de la Mare, first Speaker of the English House of Commons. "Froggy" was in splendid form, but when it came out that he w. going to tell the story of his illustrious ancestor, many thought he was going to perpetrate a joke. Doubtless this impression detracted from the speech in the eyes of the audience. Rex Mason's handling of Sir George Grey was not a success, for the reason that he argued the point. His "bull," rocks overgrown with undergrowth," is worthy of record. F. P. Kelly's winning style told its tale. Kelly gets into sympathy with his audience quicker, probably, than any other of the College speakers. He was earnest, too, as any Irishman is in eulogising the greal Home Ruler, Gladstone. G. V. Bogle's "close reasoning" faculty stood him in poor stead as inspiring a panegyric on Joan of Arc. Although he told us that he had lost the idea that Joan was a mannish woman, we did not feel that he loved her truly. G.F. Dixon gave a "screamingly" funny interlude, which of course, spoilt his chance of winning. Dixon's hero was Lord Shaftesbury. J. A. Brailsford dealt with General Gordon, lie manifestly admired his hero, but nature did not make him an orator. C. B. Collins was cut short in his criticism of E. G. Wakefield. The speech was eminently intelligent, but it was argument rather than oratory. The audience seemed to be sighing for the end, but they changed their minds when Fitzgibbon page 29 began in his impressive style to tell the story of Daniel O'Connell. It is needless to repeat all the truisms that have been spoken about the voice with which Fitzgibbon is gifted, about his natural action and his "presence." The criticism is doubtless merited that his tone tends to become monotonous, and that in a half-hour's test, Kelly would have a better chance of defeating him. But few will disagree with the verdict that Fitzgibbon's was the best speech made that night. Good delivery was by no means its greatest merit; the earnestness of the appeal would have impressed any audience; and there was much thought in it.

By vote of members, the medal was awarded to E. J. Fitzgibbon; F. P. Kelly was second, and J. Graham third.

Mr. M. W. Richmond, president of the Society, moved a vote of thanks to Lord Plunket "for the institution and endowment of the 'Plunket Medal.' "Mr. J. W. Joynt, Registrar of the University, seconded the motion, and referred to his connection with the Historical Society, Dublin. Mr. F. E. Baume also spoke, and the motion was carried with cheers for His Excellency.

Lord Plunket then presented the medal to Fitzgibbon. It seemed appropriate, he said, that the first winner of the "Plunket Medal," which was originally an Irish medal, should be an Irishman. He (Lord Plunket) had presented the medal to the Society for two reasons; the first he averred, was rather a selfish one—to connect the name of Plunket with the College of which he had laid the foundation stone. Moreover he considered that of all debating societies in New Zealand, none was more deserving of encouragement than that one, placed as it was n the midst of Parliament and the Law Courts. Then he referred to the connection which would be established between this medal and the "Plunket Medal" which had long been the most valued prize to be won in the Historical Society, of Trinity College, Dublin. This medal was founded in memory of the first Lord Plunket, orator and statesman. His second reason for giving the medal, said His Excellency, and one that was closer to his heart—was that his ancestor owed a great deal of his success in life to the fact that as a member of the College Historical Society, he was permitted to attend debates in the House of Commons whenever he pleased.: He was greatly pleased that so many had come forward to compete for the medal.

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