world with the atomic and hydrogen bombs which many feared as a menace to the very survival of the world. C. R. Clough opposed, stating that the true purpose of life was the furthering of civilisation, which presupposed the advance of knowledge. R. B. Wilson and I. Wilson, the respective seconders, both distinguished themselves with fine speeches. All four speakers from the platform were giving their farewell speeches and acquitted themselves in excellent fashion. It is a sad thought that unless next year finds Clough still with us, or one to follow in his footsteps, the minutes will go unquestioned. The standard of the speeches from the floor was also high; in fact the standard of the whole debate was much higher than that of perhaps any of the previous debates of the season. The motion was carried by 62 votes to 41, with 26 abstentions. An interesting experiment was made one evening when a debate was held, concurrently with that of the Society, for non-members. This proved highly successful and a number of boys took the opportunity to pass through the ordeal of making their first public speeches. The main speakers were Butland, Beevers, Dornan, and Shearsmith, and the meeting rejected by a considerable majority a motion advocating the abolition of capital punishment. This meeting was encouraging as an experiment, and it is felt that more of the same kind would greatly strengthen the Debating Society itself.
THE SCIENCE SOCIETY This term saw a slight innovation in that on "House Nights" a senior member of the House concerned may now act as Chairman. So far, P. J. Netherwood, of Queen's, and R. D. Beckitt, of Temple, have acted in this capacity. There were four meetings this term, all of them "House Nights". The Manor provided the speakers for the first meeting. I. Wilson gave a talk on "Tobacco", in which he described the long series of processes between the harvesting of the tobacco, and the production of the cigarettes. He emphasised that the accurate control of water content at all stages is essential for the production of good tobacco. D. R. Procter lectured on the various types of "Microphones". He outlined the advantages and disadvantages of each type, while his assistant, J. M. Lennox, spoke through the various microphones to demonstrate their quality. T. M. Jenkinson explained the principles underlying the choice of "Colour in the Home". The basis of a good colour scheme is the colour circle, on which are arranged twelve colours. The relative positions of two colours on the circle decides whether they will harmonise or clash. Owing to illness at the last minute Queen's were able to produce only one speaker, C. R. Clough, and Mr. Burgon, a student master, kindly stepped in and gave a lecture on "The Moon". He expounded 22
