PRESENT GENERATION AGAIN

Rotorua Morning Post, Volume 1, Issue 37, 6 October 1931, Page 2

PRESENT GENERATION AGAIN

In an addrfess to a gathering of Rotorua ladies last week, the Rev. W. H. Speer joined the ranks of those who deplore the shortcomings of the present generation. _ Mr _ Speer is not alone in this. Since the days of the Pyramids it has been universally remarked that the generation present for the time being, has failed to measure up to the standards of^ its forebears and has developed some failings of the flesh, mmd, or spirit which give its critics cause for the gravest apprehension regarding the future of the race. Yet despite the fact that this progressive deterioration has been regularly noted and as regularly, deplored, youth has survived and mankind has proceeded on the march of destiny. Recently, we had occasion to refer to the remarks of the Mayor of Hamilton, Dr. Finfold regarding the education of present day^ girls. By expressing the opinion that the present generation spends tdo freely and has no idea of looking ahead, Mr Speer has now added a further heavy bnrden to the load of criticism whicli present day youth is being called upon to bear. "Lead the minds of young people from the superficial views of life; encourage in them the "long view," teach them to realise that there are days' beyond to-morrow — that they are responsible for the years to come," Mr Speer eoncluded. Superficialty has been the charge most frequently hnrled against youth for twenty centuries, yet with a regularity which might Well have persuaded the critics that they lived long enough to be convinced I youth has always succeeded in overcoming its superficialty and _ battling through. Despite the edicts of Dr. Pinfold aiid Mf. - Speer, we are optimistic enough to believe that it ^ will not ~ i break down in this year of grace but will overcome its short- ~ I comings once again.