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Debating Society.

The third regular debate of the year was held on 2nd June. The motion—supported by Messrs. J. J. Sullivan and A. Thomas, and opposed by Messrs. J. A. Ross and W. E. Leicester—was "That Home Rule for Ireland would be in the best interests of the British Empire." The movers contended that Home Rule was Ireland's right, while the opposers put forward constitutional grounds in support of their side, the Ulster question, of course, not being forgotten. Avery warm debate followed, several enthusiastic amongst the audience contributing in no small degree to the excitement of the evening. Of the men speakers, some went as far as to libel our leading Statemen, while others contented themselves with merely exaggerating Ireland's poverty and throwing the blame on England. Several prominent ex-members of the Society also spoke, on which account the debate was considerably more interesting than it would otherwise have been. The motion was carried by a fairly large majority, and the judge (Mr. J. Caughley, M. A.) placed the five best speakers for the evening as follows:—Mr. Sullivan, Miss Nicholls, and Messrs. Watson, Evans and Ross.

During the vacation it had been decided to read two plays, but unfortunately the first proved enough for the unwilling readers, and the second was consequently dropped. It has been decided to place on record a recommendation that those responsible for the selection of plays for reading in the vacations should make certain that the plays decided upon are procurable in New Zealand, as the present year's experience has shown that if this recommendation be not followed chaos is likely to result.

The first debate after the opening of the second term was on the question of raising the age for compulsory education to 18. The movers were Miss Neumann and Miss Woodhouse, and the opposers Miss Norman and Mr. E. Evans. The audience numbered three, all of whom took part in the debate, and when the motion was put to the meeting it was carried by one vote. The judge (Mr. G. G. G. Watson, M. A. LL. B.) placed the speakers in the following order: Mr. Millar, Miss Neumann, Mr. Evans, Miss Norman and Mr. Kirk

It may not be out of place to remark that this debate was to have been held in the first term, but owing to bad weather, and the absence of the audience, two speakers, and the judge, it was decided to adjourn. When however, the debate did come on, members promptly showed their enthusiasm by attending the Training College dance, which, as usual, was held the same evening. Need page 52 less to say, we thoroughly approve of members acting in this way, and think the example is one to be followed.

The next debate was on foreign diplomacy, the motion being "The the present policy of secrecy in the conduct of foreign affairs is in the best interests of the State." The movers were Messrs. Wiren and Ross, and the opposers Messrs. Sheat and Evans. Several speakers from the audience took part in the course of the evening, and the judge (Mr H. F. Von Haast) placed the five first as follows:—Messrs. Kirk, Sheat, Wiren, Evans and Miss Neumann. Mr. von Haast then proceeded to criticize the speakers, to the evident entertainment of the audience, whom he also addressed in a very interesting way on the motion submitted.

The next meeting of the Society was on the occasion of the Presidential Address, which was delivered by Professor Hunter, whose subject was "The New Zealand University: What it is and what it might be." A full report of the address given is elsewhere in this issue.