Image TileImage TileImage TileImage TileImage TileImage TileImage TileImage TileImage TileImage TileImage TileImage Tile
Image size: 4608x6656 Scale: 35% - PanoJS3
Page overview thumbnail

Article text

C.Y.M.S. DEBATING
TRADITION
40 Teams and 220
Speakers in 1950
Competitions
NE of the best-loved pasttimes
of the ancient Greeks
O
was debating. In fact, large sums
of money were frequently wagered
on (the results. The Greeks became
so versatile that they debated
either side of a controversial subject,
arguing the affirmative in one
town and the negative in another!
In the Catholic Young Men's
Society of Victoria debating has
always been the main feature of
its intellectual and mental training.
For this, many notable men
of Melbourne, now occupying high
positions, readily acknowledge
their indebtedness to the society.
C.Y.M.S. debating competitions
increased their knowledge, taught
them to speak correctly and gave
them confidence and experience
for their public careers. In short,
they became first-class public
speakers.
His Lordship Bishop O'Collins,
of Ballarat, was a Port Melbourne
debater. Former Prime Minister, •
Mr. J. H. Scullin, represented Ballarat
branch. Mr. J. L. Cremean,
M.H.R., belonged to the Hawthorn
group. Cathedral branch
assisted Mr. S. M. Keon, M.H.R.,
to his political career. Mr. F.
Scully, M.L.A., was a member at
North Richmond. Mr. Peter J.
Randies is a prominent member
at North Brunswick.
Mr. M. Chamberlain, now manager
of the National Trustees, was
a keen debater at Essendon. Mr.
F. P. McManus, assistant secretary
of the Victorian A.L.P., Mr.
J. F. Meere, treasurer of North
Melbourne F.C. and Administrative
Officer of die A.L.P., and Mr.
H. T. Frederico, prominent Melbourne
barrister, were all enthusiastic
C.Y.M.S. debaters. Mr.
Parker Moloney, formerly Minister
for Customs, and Mr. T. W.
Brennan, recently elected president
of the Victorian A.L.P., are
two more distinguished representatives.
Not a few priests of the Melbourne
Archdiocese began their
training in public speaking in
C.Y.M.S. debates.
The first round of die 1950
C.Y.M.S. debating season has just
been completed, and it is pleasing
to note that 220 members are
available for selection in approximately
40 teams.
The majority of adjudicators are
former C.Y.M.S. debaters and they
report that they consider the present
competition is up to the high
standard of past years.
—FRANK STAGG.
$