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Salient. An Organ of Student Opinion at Victoria College, Wellington, N.Z. Vol. 2, No. 15. July 26, 1939

From the Floor

From the Floor

The most outstanding speaker of the evening was undoubtedly Miss Carver. With a confidence that was superb, and a stage presence unequalled since the days of Margaret Shortall, she created a sensation. Her arguments were not new (neither were anyone else's, of course) but she presented them with force and vigour. Interjection could not stop her, nor the pun dismay, and she certainly had an effect upon her audience. The only other speaker from the floor to compare with her was Mr. Stacey, whose arguments eluded this reporter, but whose remarks (painstakingly taken down and preserved) were of the following nature: "Labour—a fallacious, fanatical creed covered with honeyed words was fed to the voters—they fell for it—suckers all! But already the house is falling down—the basement is flooded, there are holes in the walls!" Now that Mr. McDonald is unfortunately very quiet, Mr. Stacey is a welcome addition to any debate.

Messrs. Foley and O'Connor contributed some unremarkable remarks, and then Mr. Perry pointed out that if we don't plan and go ahead we must slide back into Fascism. Mr. Renouf adopted an economic approach, Mr. Simpson represented the middle view, and Mr. Castle assured those present that he was against the government's policy solely because, instead of going too far, it had not gone far enough with its unrivalled opportunities. Mr. Ongley's speech was memorable principally because it brought forth the worst pun of the evening: Mr. Ongley: "The wharfies are going slow." Voice (perfectly recognizable): "How wharful."