The Plunket Medal Contest.

The 13th annual Plunket Medal Contest was held in the Concert Chamber of the Town Hall on the 13th of September.

His Excellency the Governor-General Lord Liverpool was present, and Captain Morice was in the chair.

The first contestant, Mr. J. McPhee, took Sir Julius Vogel as his subject. In opening, the speaker informed his audience that he had no hope of winning the contest, and it is true that as an effort in oratory his speech was not a very great success. Mr. McPhee did, however, deal with his hero in an interesting and original method. His style was fresh, and his manner free from the embarrassment which characterised some of the later speakers. Mr. McPhee holds his audience, and will probably develop into a convincing public speaker.

Mr. J. W. Davidson spoke on Eugene V. Debs. His speech was well thought out and carefully prepared. His language, however, would have been improved if it had been simpler, and he could with advantage have delivered his speech more deliberately and impressively. It seemed that the speaker had more enthusiasm for the life work of his hero than admiration for the hero himself. The speech was nevertheless a good one.

Mr. W. A. Sheat dealt with Mazzini. This speech was the most forcible and vigorous of the evening. The speaker showed some of the fervour of the orator. He forced his audience to listen. If he had paid more attention to his delivery he would probably have won the contest. Mr. Sheat has, however, the force of character, the enthusiasm and vigour necessary for an orator. He will win the Plunket Medal Competition if he will cultivate a smoother delivery and avoid several small defects and mannerisms.

Mr. C. G. Kirk delivered a speech on General Gordon. The speech was undoubtedly the best of the evening. The speaker's matter and arrangement were good. Mr. Kirk is a cultivated elocutionist, and it was because of this that he won the contest.

Mr. A. B. Croker spoke on Hannibal. His manner of speech was rather abrupt and jerky. The matter of the speech was good. In order to hold his audience Mr. Croker will have to display more sparkle and vivacity. There was such a monotony of tone in his voice that the audience was not held.

Mr. G. S. Troup delivered an exceedingly interesting essay on Sir Walter Raleigh. At times, however, he spoke rather too quickly. This speaker has a fervour in him which he probably has a difficulty in expressing. If he desires to arouse enthusiasm in others he will have to throw off his shyness and let page 20 his audience know how deeply he himself is feeling. An orator must not be afraid of making a fool of himself. He must to a certain extent lay bare his soul to the people. Mr. Troup will be an orator if he is determined to be. He must, however, conquer a certain shyness of spirit.

Abraham Lincoln was the hero of Mr. A. M. Cousins. This speaker has still a great deal to learn in the arts of oratory. He has still to conquer his nervousness. His effort on this occasion will, however, prove useful to him in future contests. One point Mr. Cousins may find it useful to remember, namely, that the English language is just as useful as the "Australian," and much pleasanter to the ear.

Mr. F. H. Haigh spoke on John Redmond. The speech was interesting. Mr. Haigh has a pleasant voice and a taking manner. He will make a capable speaker. His speech on this occasion was, however, scarcely an oratorical one.

The Judges, the Hon. G. M. Thomson, M.L.C., Mr. J. T. M. Hornsby, M.P., and the Rev. A. E. Hunt, placed the speakers in the following order:—

• 1st—Mr. C. G. Kirk.
• 2nd—Mr. W. A. Sheat
• 3rd—Mr. J. W. Davidson.

Mr. J. T. M. Hornsby, M.P., in delivering the judgment made some criticisms on the form of the Punket Medal Contest. Judges on previous occasions made the same criticism, namely, that the speeches are merely recited essays. The judges are apparently unaware that it was Lord Plunket's wish that this form of competition was adopted. Quite apart, from this, there is a good deal to be said for an annual contest of this kind. A man may be a good debater and a convincing public speaker, yet he may be quite unable to touch people's feelings or arouse their enthusiasm. It is these two latter objects which those who compete for the Plunket Medal must keep specially in view. The Plunket Medal Contest does therefore seem to serve a useful purpose in the training of University speakers.

At the conclusion of Mr. Hornsby's remarks, His Excellency the Governor-General presented the medal to the winner.