EDUCATION

Dominion, Volume 1, Issue 160, 1 April 1919, Page 6

EDUCATION

Sir,—A correspondent signing himsclt "D.0.M.," has seen liL to writo in disparaging terms as to the series of excellent articles appearing in your columns fronUhe pen of -Mr. I'. L. Combs M.A. The effectiveness of one's work, whether it be in the arena of public afiiurs or otherwise, is so frequently brought into the limelight by adverse criticism that Mr Combs will doubtless have read with some pleasure the venemons outbreak of "D 0.M." Those familiar with the activa part Mr? Combs has' played in connection with the educational reform move, ment and his sincerity of purpose, as well as ability as «n educationist, will not Do influenced by the mud-slinging-- tae.tics of "D.O.St." Recently. I had the pleasure of attending a public meeting addressed W Mr. Combs, mid I can call as a witness Major R. 11. Cathcnvood m support of the fact'that the sentiments expressed bv tho cducufcioiiulist iHidoi to* view wore, entirely favourable., to tho viewpoint that religion and progress are irseparablo forces in tho promotion of good government. A plea was put for-wn-d for greater consideration of mat tore BDiritual as an antidote to the materials P t c spirit characteristic of Prnsaamsin. In nowise does Mr. Combs m Ins recent article refer in contemptuous terms to Hip TTolv Bible. On the contrary, hn clearf'v emphasised the regrettable fact (hat 'the Bible no longer enjoys the powerful influence in the land of our forefathers that it once possessed, and points the way to the embracemenl of a, wider sphere of good li erature, which would naturally include tho Bible. 1 am a discerning reader, but I fail to peieeive nnv sugepstion of contempt fi.-r English or Scottish reformers in the observation* of Mr. Combs. I am afraid* that "D.O.Sr." is not possessed of a libera?-.breadth of outlook, and is ono of- those critics prono to "mrosure giants l,v their narrow gauge." It is an undeniable truism that the poifoncd shafts of falsehood and derision are. oft impelled •gainst those who mould the age. Sir. (Vim 1-s should lake comfort from Bracken's words, and fenr not the "slings and arrows" of carping criti^'~ T Featherston, March 28, 1919.