The Debating Society

The Debating Society can claim to have had a very successfur term, despite having been evicted from Big Hall by the actors for most of its meetings.

At the first meeting, which was open, C. H. Lewis, seconded by T. A. W. Kettlewell, proposed the motion "Gaudeamus igitur, dum juvenes sumus". They claimed that in Classical times men lived in their youth and killed each other in later life. In the realm of sport, youth had opportunities that never returned.

Mr. Wiseman, seconded by R. N. Johnson, spoke in opposition. They said that what appeared to be youthful high spirits really hid uncertainty. There were really more opportunities in later life and those who started to work late found they were old before they had a chance to be middle-aged. After a number of speeches from the floor, some suggesting that we should always be joyful, the House decided against the motion by 58 votes to 33.

On Saturday, 16th October, Canon C. Patteson, seconded by M. T. Powell, rose to propose that "This House regrets the appearance of myxomatosis in Great Britain". They took their stand on the humanitarian aspect, speaking of the animals' suffering, and pointing out that as the disease will probably die out, it will have no lasting economic value. Mr. D. K. Crews and. C. J. Vyle opposed in the cool, disinterested manner of scientists. By very imposing data they proved that the rabbit feels no pain and then pointed out that the rabbit does more harm than good and if reduced would prove easier to control in future. After a great many speeches from the floor the House decided that it was humanitarian in outlook, and carried the motion by 102 votes to 28 with 9 abstentions. C. H. Lewis was in the Chair.

The first closed debate of the term took place on the 6th November in the gymnasium, when D. M. Walker and C. R. Clough proposed that "Britain should not support the Chinese Nationalists" They considered that there were other Asian countries far m worthy of our support and that to defend Formosa was a threat world peace. We should not meddle, said Clough, in his maid speech from the Front Benches, with other nations' domestic politi

Mr. L. C. Le Toq and P. K. Lapidge, opposing, spoke of the gr strategic value of Formosa and said that if the western powers w not united over this question they would lose the confidence of Eastern Free World. The motion was lost by 25 votes to 9 with abstentions.

The next motion, that "This House considers that the immigra of coloured labour into Great Britain should be forbidden", 40