Debating Society

ready for test running in the test shop; here the horse power and fuel consumption are checked. If an engine is found to be faulty, it is completely stripped and reassembled, after which the trouble has often miraculously disappeared.

There was time before we left to have tea in the office canteen; we then thanked our hosts and were taken in one of their buses to Peterborough Station. The visit was enjoyed by all and we hope that similar ones can be arranged in the future. R.E.C.

THE DEBATING SOCIETY

The new constitution, under which a President is elected for a term, and a two party committee for a year, has worked well. T. D. J. Layfield filled the office of President with distinction, and the party leaders, F. C. Beaumont and A. H. Crowther, have been responsible for some good debates. A most pleasing feature in the term has been the large number of speeches made from the floor.

The first debate was held on 4th October, and was open to the School. The motion was, "This House considers that justice is too severe on modern youth". Mr. F. C. Beaumont, proposing, told the House that prevention rather than punishment was the principle object of justice. Opposing, Mr. A. H. Crowther considered that prison sentences were rare, and that youth in the main got only what it deserved. They were respectively seconded by Mr. D. L. Slade and Mr. R. L. Evans. From the floor, Mr. N. R. Barton gave a colourful description of his domestic surroundings. The motion was rejected by 96-13, with 12 abstentions.

The next meeting was closed, and took place on 18th October. Mr. M. J. (Kershaw proposed that "This House believes that man's first duty is to himself"; he considered that because of human failings men rarely live up to their high ideals. D. K. Crews, Esq., stressed man's duty not only to his fellow men, but also to God. These speakers were supported by Mr. J. A. Bygate and Mr. F. D. Lavender. D. G. Cummin, Esq., from the floor, pointed out that it was man's first, and not highest, duty that was being debated. The motion was defeated by 43-18, with 6 abstentions.

The motion for the third meeting on 1st November was that "This House believes that the Atlantic is not wide enough." The proposer, Mr. D. L. Brown, thought that were America nearer the Soviet Union, many of our financial difficulties would be solved. B. H. Holbeche, Esq., with his usual vivacity, maintained that our very survival depended on an alliance with the United States. Messrs. T. E. H. Sabben-Clare and D. N. L. Beresford were the seconders. Mr. J. B. Robinson was proud that Robin Hood did not let Miss Marilyn Monroe have everything her own way. The motion, however, was lost by 60-14, with 6 abstaining.

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