Patriotism

Dress in the afternoon was informal—Otago and Canterbury took the platform to an audience of about a hundred. The debating was of a fairly high standard, although handicapped by what most people considered a poor subject. A.C.1 Pill Newall (last year V.U.C.) led Canterbury for the affirmative. A strong speaker, he marred good material and reply by his speed. Leading the opposition was Bradley of O.U., a man of 35 or so and obviously of considerable experience. Patriotism was just his oyster—he loved it—and laid it on plenty thick. In fact he played far too much on the emotions of the audience and flung the dead bodies of fellow students at them so well that he put himself completely offside both with audience and judges. A great pity, for it was otherwise a fine speech.

In the Joynt Scroll contest no heckling is allowed and there are no speakers from the floor. While this is a good and necessary thing it seemed to leave the Victoria team, accustomed to an uproarious house, rather ill at ease, and unable to judge the feelings of the audience towards them.

The Atlantic Charter debate took place in the evening, first on the list. The town had turned up in force, a crowded hall, and evening dress on stage contributed immense gravity to the occasion.