THE MUSIC SOCIETY

P. Simpson, speaking fourth, replied to several of the proposer's arguments^ and gave examples of the ineffectiveness of the House of Lords.

On being put to the vote the motion was defeated by i i votes to 8.

The third meeting was held on the 26th February, when the motion before the House was that "The Brains Trust is a pernicious institution."

L. Burgess, Esq., proposing the motion, asked whether the Brains Trust was to be taken seriously or as a huge joke. If it were to be taken seriously it was an absolute fraud. On a factual answer the Brains Trust was useless, and any question of a general nature could not be answered in the short time at their disposal. It was certainly not intended as a joke for the ladies and gentlemen took themselves seriously. Finally he appealed to the House not to let the sacred right of intellect be thrown into the arena to be lacerated by the lions of the Brain Trust. It would be better entertainment to throw the members of the Brains Trust to the lions.

J. R. Walshaw, Esq., opposing, stated that the wording of the motion had a Victorian ring about it. It smacked of German governesses and the days when bishops smoked up the chimneys. He was of the opinion that it was better to go to the Brains Trust than to fortune-tellers or the Daily Mail. He disposed of the statement that the Brains Trust was inaccurate by stating that no-one could be accurate when speaking extempore and said that you could go to Selfridge's for information.

J. R. Penty, seconding the proposer, was of the opinion that the Brains Trust had degenerated into a mere recitation of stories.

T. C. Middleton, seconding the opposer, stated that the Brains Trust had done much to improve general education and asked the proposers if on any occasion the Brains Trust had done harm.

On being thrown open to the House several excellent speeches were forthcoming and the motion was defeated by zo votes to to.

The final meeting was held on the itth March when the motion before the House was that "Socialism is an increasing menace to this country."

W. P. Anelay, proposing, attacked socialism, saying that it destroyed freedom and produced a form of slavery.

P. R. Penty, speaking against the motion, said that the proposer's attack was most unreasonable and that he was not fully aware of the facts. Penty gave many examples of the success of socialism, mainly in Russia.

P. J. Coward, speaking third, stated that history would repeat itself and that the last time socialism had been tried the result had been chaotic.

A. J. Marx, speaking fourth, spoke on the origin of socialism, saying that it dated back to Plato. He again quoted Russia where, he said, a socialist system had been built up in zo years.

On being pui to the vote the motion was carried by to votes to 7.

At the beginning of term two new Committee members were elected : Simpson (Manor) in place of Denholm, and Amos (Rise) in place of Duffield. It had been hoped to arrange several lectures and gramophone recitals this term, but unfortunately other activities rendered any such schemes impossible.

The Glee Club played a prominent part in the School Concert held towards the end of term, when it sang four songs : "Linden Lea," by Vaughan Williams ; the "Viking Song," by S. Coleridge-Tay/or; the Soldiers' Chorus from "Faust," by Gounod; and the Pilgrim's Chorus from "Tannhauser," by Wagner. The standard of singing was reasonably high, and the performance as a whole was as good as could be expected from the short time available for rehearsals.