Opening the first debate Miss Patrick defined her terms only to the extent that she announced her intention to use the word "colonies" to cover "all lands other than," etc. Her main argument was the appalling conditions which prevail in so many colonies and so-called protectorates at the present day and the enormous incomes derived from them by the protectors. Her debating style is pleasant and convincing if slightly too informal. A more critical audience would be able to undermine her confidence too easily.

The leading speaker for the negative was Mr. O'Brien. His usual fluency, combined with his unusual speed, was a little breath-taking; while it enabled him to present a wealth of argument, it caused him to lose much of the effect he could have attained by a more leisurely and detailed exposition.

Mr. J. Williams, seconding Miss Patrick, gave some constructive ideas on the subject by outlining a scheme for an International Council. He claimed that this was an Improvement on anything so far put forward at San Francisco. He lacks debating vigour but has sufficient lucid argument and poise to demand attention.

Mr. Palmer, seconding the negative, considered that the UNCIO Conference is a San Fiasco, and that the only attempt so far at international control of colonies, the Con-Dominion in the New Hebrides, could be better described as a pandemonium. He was strong in the attack, but occasionally seemed to lose the thread of his argument.

The Judge was Mrs. D. C. Bates. In her criticism of the speakers she appealed for more attention to the formalities of debating, and for better exposition of argument. She was pleased to note a considerable improvement since she last judged a debate here a year ago.