Women's Debating Society.

This Society believes in quality always, but yet it is not averse to quantity also. We cannot think that the main body of women students are aware of its existence, or of the vast amount of good to be derived from it. But the audience grows nightly, and the Executive is always hopeful. We take this opportunity of informing any women students who have not been able to attend the meetings that a very attractive syllabus has been drawn up, and promises to be ably carried out. The syllabus is not limited to debates. Several open discussions and story-telling evening have been arranged.

The Annual General Meeting was held on Friday, April 11th. Other meetings captured most of the expected audience, but those who remained were enthusiastic. The social evening in the Gymnasium, which proved so great a success last year, are to be continued.

Three ordinary meetings have been held. The first, on Friday, April 18th, in the Common Room, was a triangular debate on the respective merits of Jane Austen, Charlotte Bronte and George Eliot with regard to their literary value, character drawing, and descriptive talent.

The second debate, on Wednesday, May 9th, took the form of an open discussion as to "Whether or not the women of New Zealand have used their franchise to the fullest extent." The difficulty of finding anyone to oppose the motion compelled an alteration in the mode of treating the subject. This evening proved a very interesting one and all the speeches were animated and stirring. Miss Myers, who judged this debate, gave some very helpful criticism and suggestions. Miss Myers Women has offered to the Society a prize for the best essay on "How Women Can Best Use Their influence in the Political World."

Another meeting was held on Thursday, May 22nd. Storytelling was the business of the evening. The competitors were few, but provided the audience with excellent entertainment.

So far the Society can claim only three new speakers, Miss Taylor, Miss Hueston, Miss Neumann, and would remind others that they are always sure of a welcome.