Speaking on John Reed, an American journalist who ended his life in Russia, a character almost unknown to the majority of his audience. A. Katz gained first place in this year's contest for the Plunket Medal. His speech was unusual and interesting, since, for one thing, his subject matter was novel to the listeners.

A. H. Scotney, who was placed second, gave a fine oration on Cecil Rhodes. That he had his audience with him. was proved once when he made a slip which otherwise would have brought laughter but was received in dead silence.

K. J. Scott (Dr. Schweitzer) and J. Foster (Julius Caesar) received the judges' nods lor third place equal. Dr. Schweitzer, a scientist who has braved the dangers of West Africa, was a good choice, and Julius Caesar, presented from an unusual slant, being shown mainly as a reformer, also held the attention.

Leonardo da Vinci, chosen by Graham Crossley, was a most difficult subject for a Plunket Medal, and the speaker, taking this into consideration, did well.

Kingi Tahiwi spoke on Te Rauparaha. and his excellent voice was heard to advantage in a good oration on this Maori warrior and chieftain.

Miss M. Prideaux-Pridham introduced us to Sir Walter Raleigh, and gave a sincere oration on the Elizabethan adventurer and gentleman.

C. G. Watson's subject, according to the official programme, was Karl Liebknecht, a German Socialist, and we were thankful for that programme, otherwise we might have been fooled.