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SMAD. An Organ of Student Opinion. 1932. Volume 3. Number 4.

Trial Marriage

page 4

Trial Marriage.

Students' Views.

One of the most serious and interesting discussions heard for some time at debates was thai on the motion: "That a system of trial or companionate marriage is desirable," which was moved by Mr. Chorlton and Mr. K. Scott, and opposed by Mr. Taylor and Mr. Bishop. The opening speakers gave a full and well reasoned statement of their views, and spoke with an evident sincerity such as is not always shown in debates. The audience seemed to be keenly interested throughout, and gave almost every speaker an attentive hearing. It helped to raise our hopes in Victoria College as a place where topics of vital interest can be intelligently discussed when we found that despite our frequent frivolities we can when the occasion demands be serious. To characterise the debate as serious, however, does not imply that it was dull. The speaking was of a slightly higher order than in the earlier debates of the session.

Some Opinions

Miss Forde.—"If each wife had a share in the national wealth she would at once emerge into the freedom advocated by those who recommend companionate marriage."

Mr. Chorlton.—"Until you wholly revolutionise the present economic system the only alternative is panionate marriage."

Mr. Bannister maintained that a common British method for "honourably" dissolving an unhappy marriage, to wit, by the husband providing evidence that he has spent the night at a hotel with a barmaid (though he need not in fact have clone so) is a greater blot on society than companionate marriage could ever be.

Mr. Larkin.—"Marriage as we know it to-day has been a success."

Mr. Scotney.—"Marriage is a legal contract entered into by two parties. The reason why it is so often unsuccessful is that the contracting parties are partly or wholly insane at the time of marriage."

Mr. Bishop remarked that under a system of trial wedlock "holy matrimony" would degenerate into an "unholy alliance."

When asked to vote upon the subject, the audience rejected the motion. The judge, Mr. W. J. McEldowney, placed the best six of the thirteen speakers in the following order:—1. Miss Fordc, 2. Taylor, 3. Bannister, 4. Scotney, 5. Reardon, 6. Miss Henderson.

Sidelights on the Debate.

Ralph Bannister: "Love is proverbially blind." Voice: "But marriage is an eye-opener."

Bish: "In the course of my work I have attempted to patch up a few unhappy marriages." Voice at back (noticing bandage on his forehead): "Looks like it!"

Bish: "Truth can be found only at the bottom of a well, and if you're top-heavy you land on your head." (Loud cheers).

Mr. Taylor: "One redeeming feature of my presence here is that I met Mr. Sc-tn-y; his simplicity and innocence are a bright spot in a naughty world."