from the floor of the House, mostly in support of the proposal, but on being put to the vote the motion was defeated by 35 votes to 26 votes with 7 abstentions. The fourth and last meeting of the term was chosen for a political debate. The motion was "That the present Conservative Government has disappointed its supporters". The proposition, R. D. Wheatley and J. B. Claydon, maintained that it was the duty of a loyal supporter of the Conservative party to criticise the Government constructively. The Conservative Government had made a good start, but they were now in the doldrums. There were many gaps in Government policy, such as the handling of purchase tax and rent control. There was no far-sighted policy for agriculture. Trade with the Commonwealth was being hindered by commitments to foreign countries. The Government should give its full support to European defence. If these gaps were filled, the proposition concluded, the Government would be stronger and far more effective. The opposition, W. R. Ibberson and J. H. Baines, claimed that the downward trend in the economy of the country had been halted. Time was needed to judge the Government fairly. Britain now had a more effective voice in the framing of Western policy and relations with the United States had improved. The strong policy of the Government had saved the Suez Canal from seizure by the Egyptians and the Sudan question had been settled. The Government had made us realise that we could not live in a fool's paradise and its achievements were great and many. The debate was thrown open to the House. True allegiance to the Conservative party was at stake and many accusations and taunts were made. Opinion was fairly evenly divided. On being put to the vote, however, the motion was carried by 47 votes to 36 votes with 2 abstentions. Thus ended a successful term for the Debating Society. Enthusiasm for the Society seems now to be strongest in the middle of the School, and support from the seniors is not all it might be. However, there have been many new and promising young speakers and there is a waiting list for membership, so we can report that the Debating Society is in a very healthy condition. Before closing our last meeting it was deemed right that we should thank Mr. Le Tocq for all the time and energy he has put into the Chairmanship of the Society. R.D.W
THE SCIENCE SOCIETY President: E. K. RosmsoN, EsQ. Secretary: J. FORD. Treasurer: W. R. IBBERSON. House Representatives: Grove: D. A. STABLER, N. W. M. CARR. Manor: C. M. DUNN, R. A. JACKSON. School House: J. M. HOLT, J. P. WHEATLEY. Rise: J. B. HUZZARD, W. R. IBBERSON. Temple: A. G. D. STAINES, P. J. NETHERWOOD.
22
