The Scientific Society

Banford was then called upon to oppose the motion, his main points being that the natives, happy at present, would be mobilized and crushed. In addition, Japan, also in need of colonies, would immediately clamour for colonial rights in northern Australia, and Italy would demand the cession of Malta. He finished by saying that in his opinion, colonies should not be given to Germany, until she had proved herself worthy of them.

Parker, seconding the motion, suggested that world peace might be obtained by giving colonies in return for a promise to stop rearmament. The opposition was seconded by Mr. Rhodes, who maintained that if colonies were returned they would be used as recruiting grounds, and so bring the world a step nearer to war.

The debate was then thrown open to the house, speeches in opposition being made by Mr. Ping and Mr. Pollard, while J. H. Butler supported the motion.

After the Headmaster and Banford had made their final speeches, the motion was put to the vote, and was defeated by 33 votes to 7.

As a variation from the conventional form of debate, a mock trial was held as the final meeting of the Society. The plaintiff, R. S. Dixon, sought £15,000 damages, and an injunction restraining him from all future criticism of Mirfield, his home town, against R. N. Rimmer, the defendant. The chairman, L. C. le Tocq, Esq., took the part of judge, the counsel for the plaintiff being J. T. Brockbank, and the counsel for the defendant being H. A. Milburn.

CHRISTMAS TERM, 1937. President: THE HEADMASTER. Vice-Presidents : A. W. PING, Esq., W. N. CORKHILL, Esq., J. H. STEVENSON, Esq., K. G. CHILMAN, Esq. Treasurer: A. W. PING, Esq. Hon. Secretary : A. C. PING. Curator of the Museum: D. R. MACKINTOSH. School House Representative: J. M. RUCKLIDGE. Clifton Rise Representative: A. C. PING. Temple House Representative : J. A. WRIGHT. St. Olave's Representative : K. G. CHILMAN, Esq.