Salient. An Organ of Student Opinion at Victoria College, Wellington, N.Z. Vol. 9, No. 2. March 20, 1946
Debating Club Elect Officers—Hail Credit Balance
Debating Club Elect Officers—Hail Credit Balance
The well-attended Annual Meeting of the VUC Debating Society, held in the Gym on Wednesday, March 6, marked the opening of what promises to be a very successful debating year. The swiftness and harmony with which the business of the meeting was conducted even surprised the retiring chairman, Mr. S. Campbell.
Following his opening speech of welcome, Mr. Campbell asked secretary Marie Marshall to read the annual report. This showed that 1945 had been a very successful year for the society, highlights being debates with WTTC, Junior Chamber of Commerce, and SCM. Mr. Roy Jack had won the Union Prize 1945 convincingly, and the New Speaker's Prize had been awarded to Miss Jackie Patrick. The criticism of returned men and Miss Hilary Wilton's publicity had contributed in no small degree to the year's success.
Mr. O'Brien, with customary lightning speed, presented the balance sheet which showed a surplus of £1/19/0—the first for many years. The society could be proud that it had not had to ask for a grant from the overburdened Stud. Assn.
- Patron: His Excellency the Governor-General.
- President: Prof. Lipson.
- Chairman: Mr. N. Taylor.
- Vice-Chairman: Mr. D. Cohen.
- Secretary: Miss L. Leicester.
- Treasurer: Mr. K. O'Brien.
- Committee: Mr. H. Dowrick, Mr. J. Ziman, Miss J. Priest, Miss J. Patrick.
- Mr. Dowrick: "There's a clue in English I Rhetoric." (Laughter.)
- Mr. Saker: "Judgment is not made on principles but on emotional effect."
- Mr. Ziman feared stereotyping of speeches.
- Mr. Taylor, who had seconded the proposal, now withdrew his support.
- Miss Patrick: The definitions are only a guide, not a standardisation.
- Mr. O'Connor recommended Sir Harry Batterby's set of principles as a good definition.
- Mr. Elby: There are two kinds of speakers—medal-hunters and those with genuine love of oratory.
The proposal, when put to the meeting, was rejected.
The evening was completed with a most interesting documentary film, "Battle of China."