FITZROY AND GREATER NEW PLYMOUTH.

Taranaki Herald, Volume LVIII, Issue 14344, 24 October 1910, Page 6

FITZROY AND GREATER NEW PLYMOUTH.

(To the Editor.) Sir, —As a spectator, and for that reason possibly one who sots a better viow of the game, may I bo allowed to say a few words on the above question? In the discussions at present being carried on, both in and out of the press, there seems to be exhibited by each of the parties concerned a regrettable reluctance to recognise the. arguments of the other side, and at the samo timo a tendency to overestimate the arguments of its own. Though this may be very natural and human, yet surely it is not the best way to get at the whole truth of tho matter—which I trust each party is anxious to ascertain. It seems to me that in this case (as of course in most controversies) tho truth lies rather in the mean, and that the broad arguments, pro and contra, when totalled up will very nearly balance each other. If this view of the matter bo at all the correct ono (and I cannot but seo that it is), is follows that the stake at issue is (from the point of view of Fitzroy) of comparatively little importance, however important it may appear to be. But my main reason in writing this, Mr. Editor, is to ask whether tho unfortunate personal element which has been introduced into tho discussion by both sides cannot'be in some way excluded. The contest is an interesting one, and its progress well worth watching, but if fair play and reasoning are abandoned, and the logical arguments of either side are allowed to bo obscured by personal references, a correct view of tho situation will be rendered more difficult, and the whole affair will tend to become unodifying, if not childish. In appealing, therefore, for tho raising of the discussion (at any rato as far as it is conducted ill your columns) to a higher plane, may I suggest that you warn correspondents that in all letters received for publication, any statement which is in tho nature of a "personality" rather than of an argument, will be promptly excised? Knowing that you will do what you can towards inducing in the disputants that reasonableness, broadmindedness and tolerance which are so necessary to any discussion if it is to be of value, I am, etc., MODERATION.