ENVIRONMENT.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XXXI, Issue 453, 25 March 1909, Page 2

ENVIRONMENT.

An interesting address on “ Environment ” was given by a visitor to Foxton, Rev Nils Friberg, in All Saints’ schoolroom on Tuesday evening, before an appreciative audience which included a larger proportion of ladies than is usual at these meetings. Mr W. S. Stewart occupied the chair, and introduced the speaker as an old friend. In the course of his speech, Mr Friberg pointed out the wry very great importance of one’s environment, not only the ordinary material environment but also the environment of one’s fellows. He was careful to refrain from entering into the realm of metaphysics, as he wished, he said, to treat the

subject from a thoroughly practical point of view. Some interesting illustrations were given of the effect of environment on the West Coast, where, according to the speaker, perfect unfettered freedom in ways of thought and action was the rule, no consideration other than individual freedom weighing with the people of the Coast. A spirited discussion ensued at the conclusion of Mr Friberg’s address, Rev. G. Y. Woodward and Mr F. W. Frankland giving their views, and questioning the lecturer on the position of freewill in its relation to environment. Mr Friberg then received a very hearty vote of thanks for his address, which he had consented to deliver at a few hours notice.