Thoughts on the Plunket Medal.

Competitors for the Plunket Medal and their auditors appreciate the items of those students who endeavour to ease the nervous tension of waiting for the judges' verdict. It is another matter for a performer to follow a long-winded item with an encore rendered unnecessary by the return of the judges. It is to be hoped that those responsible will see that the unfortunate blemish on this year's contest is not repeated. In all diffidence I suggest that as the Plunket Medal Contest dates back to 1905 it might be advisable to secure the services of at least one Plunket Medal winner for judging, such person to have won the Medal at least five years prior to the contest which he is invited to be one of the judges. This would have the twofold advantage of preserving a continuity of tradition in regard to the form of the contest itself and of allowing present students to benefit by the experience of previous winners. This suggestion is in no way intended as a reflection on the capabilities of the judges in this year's contest or those of any other year—the Debating Society has been particularly fortunate in this respect. A glance at the list of Plunket Medal winners will show that there are plenty of good men readily available, and if necessary the number could easily be augmented by such men as H. E. Evans, W. J. McEldowney, G. G. G. Watson, and Dr. R. M. Campbell, who were previous Union Prize Winners