BACHELORS’ BABIES.

Temuka Leader, Issue 1899, 1 June 1889, Page 3

BACHELORS’ BABIES.

There is a good story told which has not found its way into print, of how Mr Herbert Spencer was once converted from theoretical opinion to a more practical view. His sister had nine daughters, and he was continually impressing upon her the advantages of moral suasion in the up-bringing of children, and the superfluity of punishment, arguing that children would always do as they were hidden if it were only rightly put to them. The lady bore it all without taking it much to heart, till one day domestic arrangements found her without either of her two nurses. She called the Philosopher, and told him that the time had come when he might try the effect of his theories upon her little flock, and take them all out for the afternoon. Mr Spencer was very ready and willing to accede, and so took his neices, who were one and all very fond of their uncle, for a romp in the fields. But alas for his beautiful principles, the little girls absolutely refused to listen to the wisest requests based on most philosophic al argu msnts, and stole his tall hat for a flower basket, used his umbrella as a tent, rolled down hillocks, climbed hedges, and were deaf, in short, to every entreaty. When the shades of evening fell, and Mr Spencer took them back to their mother, he could only say, sadly, in answer to her inquiries as to how they had behaved, “They have all been very naughty children, and deserve to be well whipped.”