Aliens: In or Out?

The second debate of the year was held on June 30 before a fair audience, many of whom were attracted by the nature of the subject: "That the exclusion of aliens would be of advantage to New Zealand."

From the outset speakers drifted from the point; this may be accounted for but not excused by the common use of so much emotive reasoning in discussions on this topic.

Mr. Jack Williams, more at home on the platform than usual, plunged into a long dissertation on the economics of immigration and expressed the opinion that importation of aliens would seriously disturb post-war reconstruction.

Miss Betty Arya still gives the impression that she is trying to mix drama and debating. She approached the discussion from the humanitarian aspect but was more effective in countering the arguments of her opponents than in bringing forward a water-tight case.

Mr. Oliver, speaking of the disadvantages, gave instances of strong racial feeling arising out of the admission of aliens to other countries, but conceded that where aliens and nationals were given equal treatment the trouble seldom occurred.

Mr. O'Leary quoted copiously from vital statistics, indicating that New Zealand urgently needs a much larger population. Some of his proposals were greeted with loud laughter, especially the necessity for each New Zealand family to provide 11 children.

Speaking from the floor, Mr. Gaird and Mr. Mabbett brought forward strong pleas for the preservation of the purity of our race, were afraid of the Yellow Peril and Race Riots, thought the situation bad enough already.

Miss Crompton argued that racial antagonism is usually incited by political parties and by official discrimination, e.g., A. Hitler. She pointed out that aliens were playing a large part in fighting this war.

Mr. Franke spoke with conviction on behalf of these aliens, giving some figures and specific instances.

Mr. Hartley delivered an impassioned plea for the safeguarding of our national integrity and British culture, quoting from Truth, that great champion of Freedom. He especially deprecated the Bohemian element which appears in alien circles, manifesting itself in horrid coffee shops full of "greasy smooth-skinned foreigners." He concluded appropriately with "Hell Hitler."

In delivering his Judgment, Mr. George Joseph gave plenty of criticism and advice. He should know; he has had much experience on the Varsity debating platform. He placed the speakers: Miss Arya, Mr. O'Brien, Mr. O'Leary, Miss crompton and Mr. Hartley, the latter against his better judgment.