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The Spike or Victoria College Review 1946

Debating Society

Debating Society

This year, 1946, has been a great year in the history of the Debating Society. With so many members returned from the war, the number of speaking members has so far risen to more than 50 members, and the audiences for every debate have been well over 100, the greatest attendance being at the opening debate, when the only room left was on the rafters.

The Society held its Annual General Meeting and election of officers on March 22nd. It was only possible to hold three debates in the first term because of Tournament and Extravaganza, but during the second term the club kept well up to schedule with fortnightly functions, Some of the debates held so far this year have been:—
  • "That the Foreign Policy of the U.S.S.R. is a Menace to World Peace." (Carried on student' vote lost on general vote).
  • "That the B.M.A. is Hampering the Progress of Medical Services in N.Z." (Carried)
  • "That U.S. Foreign Policy is a Menace to World Peace." (Carried)
  • "That N.Z. Provides Ample Scope for Creative Intelligence." (Carried.)
  • "That the Present British Proposals for Indian Self-Government are in the Best Interests of the Indian People." (Lost)
  • "That the Present N.Z. Divorce Laws are a Menace to Marital Peace," (Lost)
  • "That the Influence of the Daily Press is Bad." (Carried.)

The debate, "The N.Z. Labour Party would Benefit from Association with the Communist Party" (lost), was held against Training College at Training College.

The Club also held an evening of Impromptu Debates, which was very well attended.

Next term it is hoped to stage a Visitors' Debate "That this House has no Confidence in the Government," and get members from the House to speak.

The Plunket Medal contest was held this year on Saturday, July 13 th. It was won by Kevin O'Brien, who spoke on Alfred Dreyfus, and the judges were Mrs G.H. Ross, M.P., the Very Rev. Father B.F. Blake and H.R.C. Wilde, Esq. John McCreary, who spoke on Harry Holland, was placed second, and Angela Cooch, speaking on Lawrence of Arabia, third.

Dick Collins and Kevin O'Brien are representing V.U.C. in the Joynt Scroll Debates at Winter Tournament this year, and four teams are being entered in the Impromptu Debates held by the Wellington Competitions Society.

This year the Debating Society has proved the most popular of all the cultural clubs. We have many new members, both returned from the Services, and new speakers. The standard and numbers have risen to even greater heights than during the pre-war period and next year it is hoped to include an even more comprehensive programme, as Wellington will be the centre for both the Joynt Scroll Debates and the Bledisloe Medal Contest.