SMAD. An Organ of Student Opinion. 1932. Volume 3. Number 6.
Control of Debates
Control of Debates.
Dear "Smad,"—
As one who regularly attends the 'Varsity debates, I feel that the attitude of the chairmen at recent debates calls for some criticism. So far this year there have been somewhere about two debates managed at all well. Most of us have observed and heard those sheiks or love birds who go along to the debates, settle down comfortably near the heaters, and then proceed to drown the sound of the debaters by their noisy conversations, frequently interspersed with much laughter. And not a word all the time from the chair. Then, again, at a recent debate, after a prolonged and loud argument at the back of the hall, someone succeeded in placing a girl's shoe and beret in the fork at the top of one of the pillars, to the accompaniment of much barracking, and not a word of protest came from the chair, though at the time of the disturbance someone was speaking on the platform.
Now, sir, might I suggest that a man who has sufficient strength of mind to quell such disturbances be appointed as chairman and so give those who go along to hear the debates a reasonable chance of doing 80.
Law and Order.