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SMAD. An Organ of Student Opinion. 1933. Volume 4. Number 4.

(The following is an extract from the statement enclosed by Miss Forde.)

(The following is an extract from the statement enclosed by Miss Forde.)

Mr. Chairman,—

I desire to make a statement in order that my position may be quite clear, and after I have done that, the committee in its vision will have to decide whether it intends to do the right thing or the wrong thing.

I want to insist that I have never endeavoured to obtain, nor have I obtained, any recognition or honours from the Society to which I have not been entitled. I have not schemed or intrigued at any time or in any way. What recognition I have received from the Society has been owing to hard work, perseverance, and a. determination to succeed, notwithstanding the many setbacks and disappointments that I have experienced.

On succeeding in obtaining the highest number of points in last year's series of debates. I never tor one moment suspected that an attempt would be made to depart from the rule that has been in vogue for so long that it has become traditional—namely, page 9 that the points gained during the preceding twelve months should he the deciding factor in the personnel of the Joynt Scroll Team. I knew that I had won, and that in doing so, automatically, I had selected myself.

At the meeting before last, when the question of the Joynt Scroll candidature was introduced, there was not one member of the committee who dissented from the fact that I had won my selection, and the only question to be decided was who was to accompany me, the choice resting between Miss Henderson and Mr. Chorlton. Not one word to the contrary was uttered not the slightest inclination or suggestion that there should be any departure from the rule that has worked so well, and so devoid of friction and dissatisfaction, in the past. Therefore, is it not pertinent for me to speculate as to this complete change of front, and to assume that since that meeting influence, or influences, have been at work, with the result that we are now discussing an unjust and unmerited proposal, embodying the complete overthrowal and discarding of a system of selection that has been hitherto recognised as just and equitable?

Reference has been made to the fact that I have twice previously represented Victoria College in Joynt Scroll debates; but I must insist that the first time I acted was only after several members of the Society, who had been chosen before me, and had refused to join our team owing to their dislike to the subject which our side had to affirm, that I was selected. I, too, disliked the subject on that occasion; but I succumbed to the pressure that was brought to bear, and, literally, came to the rescue of the Society.

The proposal to discard the recognised best debater of the year is drastic and far-reaching, and I ask members of the committee to pause before they finally favour it being brought into effect. It sets a precedent that cannot fail to be harmful in the future, as it is an incentive to intrigue and eliquism that may have disastrous results to the Society and to our College. It provides a great opportunity for the schemer and the intriguer to accomplish his nefarious purposes, and it gives no recognition to hard work and merit.