The Spike: or, Victoria College Review, June 1910
Women Students' Debating Society
Women Students' Debating Society.
"Here might they learn what men were taught."—Tennyson.
The Women Students' Debating Society held its annual general meeting in the Women's Common Room on Thursday, April 22nd. The hour of meeting was altered from 6.45 p.m. on alternate Saturdays to 8 p.m. on alternate Fridays. The change seems to be popular, for the attendance is very encouraging, being about three times as great as last year's average.
After ascertaining that the Main Society had no objection to our inserting in our syllabus subjects other than page 57 debates, the Committee decided to include readings and literary discussions. In fact, only three of the subjects, non-political, set down in the syllabus of the Main Society have been adhered to.
At the only debate held, Miss Heine, seconded by Miss Hursthouse, moved that "Novel reading was beneficial to the reader." The motion was opposed by Misses Lawry and Taylor, and provided material for an animated debate. At the last meeting Miss Reeve opened an informal discussion on the true function of treatment manifested the keen interest and thought many of the speakers had given to the subject. The remaining evening was devoted to "Readings from New Zealand authors," which excited a keener interest in our literature.
Several new members have spoken this year, and on the whole, more of a debating spirit has been shown. Copious notes have not been so much in evidence, and there has been none of the "reciting" condemned by a judge of last year. Our thanks are due to Misses Myers, Isitt and Dr. Bennett, who have kindly acted as judges from time to time.
As we go to press, we hear that the debate on the motion, "That the Lords were justified in rejecting the Budget," is to be held next Saturday, 2nd July, in place of the debate set down in the Syllabus.