THE PROPOSED ALDRIDGE-SCOTT BENNETT DEBATE.

Auckland Star, Volume XLII, Issue 136, 9 June 1911, Page 2

THE PROPOSED ALDRIDGE-SCOTT BENNETT DEBATE.

(To the Editor.) Sir, —In your issue of yesterday Mr. Scott Bennett takes exception to my letter concerning the. above proposed debate. My statement is nevertheless correct. It is quite true that Mr. Aldridge did not in his letter of acceptance stipulate for a two-nights' debate, as he did not anticipate Mr. Bennett's unwillingness to fairly debate the question. It is not true that Mr. Aldridge's representatives called the debate "off" when informed of Mr. Bennett's request for one night only. The request was objected to, the plea of his being "too busy" (the only reason advanced) being considered unsatisfactory; and Mr. Bennett's representatives were requested to urge him to agree to at least two nights, which was admitted by, I think, every member of the committee to be a reasonable condition, it was not until at least two attempts were made to perBuade Mr. Bennett to agree to two nights that his refusal was accepted as a final termination of the negotiations. The mention of the Mangasarian-Clarke debate does not affect the point at issue, as the limitation of time, due to reasons not stated, may have been most unsatisfactory to the .participants. What I wished to make clear was that Mr. Aldridge accepted Mr. Bennett's challenge, and was quite prepared to discuss the historicity of Christ in a two-nights' debate, but that the debate has been abandoned because of Mr. Bennett's refusal to a very reasonable condition on the plea of his being "too busy." One might well ask why he invited discussion, if unable to find time for a two-nights' debate. The second letter referred to by Mr. BeJ_iett contained a challenge from Mr. Aldridge to debate the subject of "Science and the Bible," which challenge Mr. Bennett was, of course, quite free i to decline, as he did with the same plea I of being "too busy." The only thing "obvious" is that Mr. Bennett, though very free with his chal-1 lenges, does not welcome debate with a capable opponent. In conclusion, let mc say that Mr. Aldridge is quite prepared to discuss the historicity of Christ with Mr. Bennett in a two-nights' debate, and in a further two nights the subject, "Does Science Contradict the Bible?"— I am, etc., LOUIS E. FALKNER.

Lady Islington paid a visit to the ' Campbell Free Kindergarten, Victoria Park, this morning, where she was received by Lady Campbell, Dr. McDowell (president), Mr. Leo Myers (vice-presi-dent), and other members of the Association's executive. Miss Gibson (principal of the institution) put the children through various exercises, which they entered into with much zest. Lady Islington manifested great interest in the proceedings, and before leaving expressed satisfaction with what she had seen of the work of this excellent institution. The diplomas won by kindergarten students will be presented in the ballroom at Government House at 3.15 to-morrow afternoon, when it is hoped there will be a good attendance of the publte.

There has been no further development in regard to the reported "strike" amongst the drainers and pick and shovel men employed hy the City Council, the dissatisfaction as to ruling rates of pay apparently being confined to two or three men who desire that the rate for trench-1 digging should be raised from. 8/ to 9/ per day, the latter being the sum paid drainers for their work. A meeting of George 3 will 'he held at! the City Council Chambers to-night in connection with the proposed presentation to the King on the occasion of his Coronation. The IKuminion-road Bowling Club resumed their series of winter euchre socials at St. Alban's Hall on Tuesday night last. A large gathering of friends assembled, and n most enjoyable evening was spent. These socials will be held fortnightly until September, and 'the club cordially invite all .old friends to -be present.