Powles and Perches

Feeling that its subjects have recently been too controversial, the Debating Club held a sweetness and light session on Friday, when a series of capable speakers wondered whether the top most perch is really the slitheriest. Despite the fact that there were a good many amusing moments, one couldn't help feeling at the conclusion that the evening had been wasted. Even though King! Tahiwi did return to lead the affirmative—a rather blase Kingi, by the way—and, after a dull opening, struck form with all his old brilliance and verve, he couldn't do much with that material.

The arguments didn't matter particularly either way, but Mr. Edgley, whose past flapped round a bit, was placed first by Mr. Powles on account of his logic. Though he did get a bit tangled in his theology—as did Mr. Simpson in his metaphysics and Mr. Foley in his quotations (hi, there, Abe!). Placed second equal with Mr. Tahiwi was Mr. Braybrooke, whose platform manner is easier than of old, while his matter is as lucidly presented. Marie Best spoke very pleasantly. Mr. Ongley very irrelevantly, and we enjoyed Mr. McWilliams' speech, as Mr. McWilliams obviously did himself.

For the benefit of posterity it may be recorded that the motion was carried by a large majority, and that, considering the smallish audience, the supper wasn't all it might have been.

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Jonathan Swift
Never went up in a lift.
Neither did Robinson Crusoe
Do so.

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Biography
Is better than Geography.
Geography's about maps.
Biography's about chaps.