LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

Pukekohe & Waiuku Times, Volume 9, Issue 531, 14 May 1920, Page 2

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

LITERARY AND DEBATING SOCIETY.

Sir, —On several occasions during the past few months your able and outspoken leading a/ticles upon matters of public have appeared to me as most timely, and calculated to stir up the dry bones of apathy and apparent self-satisfaction which exist in this community to an alarming extent. But in no instance have you hit the nail on the head more effectively than in your eloquent appeal in your necent issue for the intellectual and, incidentally, moral welfare of the people of the town artd district. It happens to have been my good fortune to reside in several widely-separated parts of our fair Dominion, and in every case, except in the prosperous heart of Franklin, there has been a debating society, literacy and musical club, or a mutual improvement society of some such nature. In addition, one has found reading chicles and elocution classes where enthusiastic and capable leadess were available. It should not be necessavy to emphasise the advantages arising from the mental stimulus, and consequent wider outlook, and a more appreciative study of the questions of the day, which naturally characterise the diligent members of a debating club. In my own little experieice and observation, covering some twenty years, 1 have noticed that the majority of men who attain to leadership of lesser or greater degree in local politics will be found to owe their first lessonv and probably much of their equipment and incentive, to some such society. With regard to responsibility of the educated section of the community, arid particularly the clergy, in this matter, I am entirely in agreement with your views so vigorously expressed. The people of any centre of population where there is a distinct call for mental and social (as well as moral) advancement, may reasonably expelct a lead fitom the ciergy. I would go further, and express the conviction that a modern minister who fails to recognise his duty in this connexion must have a very limited conception of his calling. In conclusion, Mr. Editor, 1 1 trust your appeal will evoke the necessary interest to set a movement on foot for the formation of a so- ' ciety which will in time eclipse the success of Waiuku and Papatoetoe. "WAKE UP."