Y.M.C.A. DEBATING CLUB.

Dominion, Volume 6, Issue 1762, 29 May 1913, Page 9

Y.M.C.A. DEBATING CLUB.

At tho weekly meeting of tho 7.51.C.A. Literary nnd Debating Club on Tuesday evening, Mi. J. C. Nicklin delivered a paper entitled "How are Standards of Authority Arrived at?" Mr. R. Brown presided. Tho essayist contended that there Aould really bo no external standard of authority, but that tho standard must bo in the conscience of the individuiil. He .pointed out that, in times past, people had been ruled by leaders, either kings, nobles, or priests, and had had to subject their own minds to the will of those leaders. However, .with the rise of the present social democracy, people had begun to think for themselves and to reason out the problems of social life. Special emphasis was laid on the absolute necessity for conserving freedom of thought. At somo future time, the people would rule themselves nnd administrate their own affairs to a far greater extent than at present. There would bo leaders, but the power of those men to lead would have to ho recognised by tho majority. An interesting discussion lowed, ten speakers taking part. Next week the general secretary will deliver a paper on Tennyson's "Idylls of the King."