Acting under the impression that the "play was the thing" wherein, if not "to catch the conscience of the king," at least to draw the interest of students generally towards the Debating Society, the committee arranged for a series of dramatic readings to take place during the Long Vacation. In all, some thirteen plays were read, and the Reading Circles qua Reading Circles can now justly be pronounced to have been a distinct success; but as regards the secondary object with which they were arranged, that is, of increasing interest in the work of the Debating Society, the time is yet too soon to speak.

Of the thirteen plays read, six were by Bernard Shaw, two by Oscar Wilde, and one play each was contributed by Galsworthy, Bennett, Ibsen, Goldsmith, and—William Shakspere. The Committee would have gladly included more plays by this Mr. Shakspere, but, unhappily, its chairman was a simple soul, whose spirit took no joy in the reckless massacring of blank verse, and after the reading of "Twelfth Night" poetic drama was shunned.

The Society began its session this year with a public debate—"That only by the success of the Labour movement can organised society continue to exist." Mr. Edward Tregear was kind enough to lead the debate. He was seconded by Mr. John Robertson, M.P. for Otaki. The motion was opposed on behalf of the Society by Messrs. Watson and Sievwright. Mr. Tregear, as is well known, is one of the accredited, and certainly one of the most respected, leaders of Labour in New Zealand. But on this occasion, we confess we were not a little disappointed by Mr. Tregear's opening speech. With a great opportunity to enlist the sympathy of a large body of interested students, in the objective of the Labour body, Mr. Tregear sadly neglected his opportunities by indulging in many irrelevancies, and in not page 51 confining himself to an exposition of those principles for which organised Labour stands. We don't in the least agree with him that a man is unfitted to possess and administer large estate to-day, because his great-great grandmother was a mistress of Charles II. But if Mr. Tregear was disappointing, Mr. Watm, in opening, was heart-breaking. We thought better of thee, G. G. Though he had really no argument to reply to, Mr. Watson did not drive that fact home to the audience. Mr. Watson is, we understand, an Honours student in Economics, and he stated at an early stage of his address that he proposed to pulverise any argument that could be advanced for Socialism by showing its economic fallacies. He forgot to do so. We were also sorry to note the absence from Mr. Watson's address of that "sweet reasonableness" that had characterised Mr. Tregear's speech. Mr. Robertson made a very capable and effective reply to Mr. Watson's arguments. Mr. Sievwright, in seconding Mr. Watson, dwelt upon the influence that Socialism would have upon the morals of the community. The debate was a highly successful one, from the point of view of the audience. It is clear that the Society is moving in the right direction in arranging these debates.

The first "regular" meeting of the Society was held on 25th April, when Mr. H.E. Evans, seconded by Mr. W. F. Hogg, moved "That the Massey Government has merited the confidence of the people of New Zealand." Mr. Leary, seconded by Mr. Ewart, opposed. The debate was well attended, and very successful. The judge (Rev. Mr. Herries) placed the first five speakers as follows:— 1st, Mr. Evans; 2nd, Mr. Moss; 3rd. Mr. Sievwright; 4th, Mr. Leary; 5th. Mr. McNiven.

At the second meeting, on 9th May, Mr. Cornish, seconded by Mr. Cunningham, moved: "That the deportation of the Labour leaders in the recent South African strike was justified." Messrs. Byrne and Sievwright opposed. The meeting was wretchedly attended. Mr. D. S. Smith placed the following:—Messrs. Cunningham, Watson, Sievwright, and Schmidt (equal), Byrne, and Rogers.

We take this opportunity of congratulating Mr. Sievwright upon winning the Union Prize for 1913. Probably no previous winner has ever put in more arduous and determined work. Mr. Sievwright's success proved that genius is "the capacity for taking infinite pains." We have also to congratulate Mr. Borer, who was awarded the New Speaker's, Prize.

Perhaps it would not be out of place here to put in a plea on behalf of the Debating Society. The Society is one that page 52 should appeal to all students. It is the one Society at the College that provides a common ground upon which all may meet for discussion of topics of the day. By means of the Plunket Medal Contest, and public debates, it brings the student into contact with the public. By means of reading circles it constitutes a bond between students during the vacations. At present the Society is wretchedly supported. Just come along and give it a hand.