2 minute read
The Film Society
from May 1959
by StPetersYork
N. R. Barton considered the aristocracy to be decorative and quaint and saw no useful service in abolishing a colourful part of the community. Messrs. D. G. M. Young and D. L. Slade also made paper speeches. The motion was lost by 46 votes to 6, with 7 absentions.
At the third meeting the Society debated the motion "This House is ashamed of the British Transport system". Mr. M. J. Kershaw, the proposer, stated that any world power should be ashamed of such an inferior system. In opposition Mr. T. D. J. Layfield pointed out that all possible efforts were being made to improve it and thus no shame is justified. These were seconded by Messrs. F. D. Lavender and J. J. Rhodes. On the motion being put to the vote, 36 voted for and 36 against; D. G. Cummin, Esq., exercised his prerogative of the casting vote—for the proposition.
At the last meeting of term the House challenged the Armed Services. The motion, "This House believes the Armed Services do not offer an attractive career", encouraged forthright speaking from both sides. Mr. T. D. J. Layfield, proposing, cited the demoralisation resulting from Service life. Major J. R. Evans thought opportunities existed for the right people. Messrs. W. M. Howard and P. A. Crossley supported the proposer and Sub-Lieutenant M. H. Atkins and Flight Lieutenant G. R. Willson gave further expression to the Services' point of view. The motion was carried by 66 votes to 53, with 10 abstentions.
Unfortunately the proposed last meeting of term was cancelled because of the Science Exhibition. Thus ended a season of interesting and varied debates. N.R.B. and D.L.B.
The School film duly appeared at the end of term and was presented at hourly intervals during the two afternoons of the Science Exhibition; while it is not for me to attempt to assess its worth, one or two points emerged from the making of it, which, I trust, it is relevant to mention here.
Better results are obtainable if a few subjects are given adequate treatment than if a brief glimpse of every activity is attempted. This, however, does not account for the omission of hockey, which was caused partly by bad weather and partly by our own incompetence.
With the additional lighting that we were able to muster, indoor shots were only effective at close range; so debates, assemblies, indoor societies, squash, meals, all had to be rejected on one or both of the above grounds.
We never had two cameras, but for occasions such as the C.C.F. Inspection and boat races the advantage of having two is obvious.
Finally, there is the more obvious point that, whatever the subject is that you propose to treat, it is essential to plan beforehand what you seek to get from it; to wander out with a camera and only vague intentions is not good enough. One can be lucky, however. We