A CHALLENGE.

Otaki Mail, Volume 27, 3 December 1919, Page 2

A CHALLENGE.

To the Editor. Sir, —Following is a copy of a letter that I have forwarded to Mr W. if. Field:— “Trades Hall, 12(i, Vivian Street, Wellington, Nov. 29, 1919. “Mr W. H. Field. Otaki. Dear Sir. --You are reported in the ‘Evening’ Post' of yesterday’s date as having, in your speech at Tawa Flat, said that ■ Ihc socialisation of the means of production, distribution and exchange’ meant ‘the destruction of all private tenure of land and ownership of capital, tho end of private employment and enterprise, and Ike dependence of everyone on the State through some governing labour body, for his wages.’ You aro further reported as having challenged me to deny this. I am prepared to accept your challenge, and will meet you in public debate either iu Levin, Otaki or Upper Butt; you to affirm the foregoing statement, and I will have pleasure in taking the negative; or if you prefer that I shall take the affirmative. L will affirm that the “socialisation of the means of production, distribution and exchange’ is in the best interests of 'the community; and in taking tlie (negative you will have the opportunity of proving your assertions re the destruction of private enterprise, etc. I will secure a hall and lie responsible for its cost, in any of the places mentioned, and will bo prepared to accept any qualified public man as chairman. I would suggest that we should each speak twice affirmative ami 30 minutes for tlio negative, and 15 minutes each in reply; or if you prefer a longer time l won "I. object. I assure you that I have not been attempting to deceive the electors, and ask for nothing better than an opportunity to put the case for Labour. I thought 1 had made myself very .clear on the point that the party elected its officers and drafted the platform, and that if the officers went beyond what is contained iu the platform wo would soon pull them up; but. apparently you, at least, have not understood me, and the debate I suggest ivould prevent such misunderstandings in future. I hope you will find it convenient to fix a date not later than the. 12th or 13th inst. As this is.a matter V

of pablie interest, I am forwarding n, copy of this letter to the three Wellington newspapers ami also to the“Otaki Mail” and the “LevinChronicle.”—l am, etc., •t. McKenzie.