The Daily Alaska Empire

TOASTMASTERS HIT
NEW HIGH, FORMAL
DINNER LAST NIGHT

The outstanding talk of the Toastmasters formal banquet last evening at the Baranof Hotel was given by Ellis Reynolds. His assignment was a "provocative thought" talk. He held his audience through a "pied piper" fable in which he brought out the dangers of following the "piper" into a sea of promised security as against the "drummer" for free enterprise.

Critics and grammarians found little fault with his speech. It was the serious note of the entire affair.

The "honorable" President Henry Green explained to wives and guests of the toastmasters that the objectives of the organization were to teach effective chairmanship and poise. The program demonstrated both.

Comdr. E. C. Hawley had each member introduce his guests. Wayne Richey, as topicmaster, sounded the "cutting down" theme in tune to Washington cutting down the cherry tree.

Members called upon followed through with Dr. John Clements mentioning "cutting up;" Hunt Gruening on cutting down on the length of speeches; Jerry McKinley on cutting the dollar; Ed Peyton on cutting down light poles in favor of putting them underground; Irv Curtis on cutting down on waistlines; Vic Power on cutting down useless limbs of government; and Bob Cowling on cutting down expenses.

J. A. McLean demonstrated the use of the better voice in speaking. Charlie Burdick gave a short dissertation on women's hats. E. J. O'Brien, the impromptu speaker, achieved success by defining "extemporaneous" and demonstrating it with fine delivery.

"Is There a Doctor in the House" skit, a mock operation, was performed by Pete Warner, Ted Oberman, Kristan and Bud Elkins with obvious previous coaching by Clements.

In light of the assembled guests, the critics were more gentle than usual, it was said. Critics K. E. Vuille, H. B. Foss, W. J. Manthey, L. E. Sarella and Jack Burford, assisting U. C. Nelson, touched lightly upon the faults of their fellow toastmasters and gave praise where they felt it was due. A. L. Ransome, as grammarian, was equally kind, ending the affair on a high successful note.