Debating.

"There's two things I don't want at me fun'ral. Wan is an oration, th' other is wax flowers. I class thim alike."

—Mr. Dooley.

Judges—J. W. Joynt, Esq., M.A., T. E. Taylor, Esq. and W. H. Triggs, Esq.

On another page are published the remarks of the Judges on the Debate, with some account of the arguments used. E. J. page 17 Fitzgibbon and F. P. Kelly, who are the Champions for this year, gained their proud position by a unanimous verdict. The question "That Nelson contributed more than Wellington to the overthrow of Napoleon," was first discussed by Otago and Canterbury. Of the Canterbury men, C. F. D. Cook made a good and thoughtful speech, but he lacked the fire and decision which carries conviction. J. W. Mcllraith is said to have made an excellent speech, but his words could not be distinguished at the back of the Hall. B. E. Murphy and L. T. Burnard of Otago formed a combination which it was an honour to defeat. Murphy was clear, well arranged and pointed, if somewhat cold. Burnard was bright, yet solid, and when he got going had enough steam to obviate the necessity of slowing down in order to sound the whistle. A certain irrelevant playfulness in his opening remarks probably lost him a few points. In the second Debate F. P. Kelly opened for Victoria College, and he was well up to his best form. Though not brilliant, his speech was clear and carefully arranged, and kept a high standard throughout. The Auckland men, J. Stanton and M. H. Hampson, were excellent in matter, but deficient in oratorical power. Fitzgibbon had all his usual fluency and skill in phrasing, and before it became monotonous he burst into a peroration which was easily the best effort of the evening. It was probably Burnard's beginning and Fitzgibbon's ending which drew the line so clearly in the minds of the Judges. The general excellence of the speaking may be judged from the fact that Mr. Joynt expressed the opinion that the 1906 Debate reached the highest standard yet attained in the University Tournaments.