Free Discussions Club

The second meeting of the 1923 Season was opened by the Rev. Father Gilbert, Rector of St. Patrick's College and a graduate of the College. The subject was "Evolution," and the leader set forth the attitude of the Catholic Church towards evolution. He maintained that evolution as applied to the human animal was still merely an hypothesis and that the correct attitude to take up in regard to same was one of doubt. He deplored the dogmatic assertions of certain scientists who in their zeal to prove the theory of evolution completely overstepped the mark and proclaimed to the world as facts untested theories and hypotheses. At the present day we heard many people assert that there was and must be a conflict between religion and science. Such a statement was quite untrue. There was no real conflict between the two and the apparent conflict arose through the dogmatism of many scientists. The Church was not opposed to evolution and so soon as the theory should be proved beyond doubt the Church would accept same. Considerable discussion ensued, the Chairman, Professor Hunter, giving as his opinion that there must always be a conflict between science and religion. The dogmatism was on the part of the protagonists of religion and not on the part of the scientists.

The next meeting was held to consider the subject, "Marriage and Divorce," the leader being Mr. W. E. Leicester, who pointed out that the public attitude towards marriage had now changed, matrimony now being regarded with cynicism. Women had previously entered marriage much more freely; now with other spheres of action open to them there was not the same desire. Nevertheless we find many girls are hypnotised by chocolates, pictures, dances and certain writers such as Elinor Glyn. If the dissolution of the marriage tie was made easier and more rational the husband and the wife would be able to seek their individuality. At the present time this was impossible owing to the existing ideas on morality. Women should not give up her ideals because she bears children. Divorce in New Zealand at the present time was saturated with hypocrisy. There should be much more satisfactory ways of obtaining the dissolution of a marriage. Divorce should be made easier. A period of three years' separation to constitute a ground for a divorce was too long; about four months would be more satisfactory. What was needed was a new set of values. Child-bearing should not be dependent upon marriage. The speaker closed with a fine quotation from Bertrand Russell. A vigorous discussion ensued, the present system finding several faithful supporters.

"Theosophy" was the subject at the following meeting, the leader being Colonel Smythe, of the Theosophical Society, who outlined the tenets first received by Madam Blavatsky from certain celestial agents. Each member of the human race served a period of probation during his life upon earth and then proceeded to one of the seven astral planes, according to the progress towards goodness by each individual. Arrived on the allotted plane the probationer finds that his every wish is gratified, including the right to return to this world in an invisible form. The individual having exercised a given amount of self-restraint and gained further knowledge returns to this world to obtain further righteousness. In time you finally reach the stage of perfection and find that there are seven different avenues of employment open to you. A number of questions were answered by the leader.

On Thursday. 13th September last, Mr. A. Harper, of the N.Z. Welfare League, opened a discussion on "The Revolutionary Movement in Great Britain." He commenced by pointing out that he had documentary proof of all the statements he would make, but owing to lack of time would be unable to refer to same. However, he would be pleased to allow members to peruse same at his office. After Mr. Harper's address several evinced a keenness to inspect the proofs. The leader stated that he had recently conducted investigations in England and had discovered a revolutionary menace. The objects of the revolutionaries were three: (1) The abolition of existing Constitutions; (2) the abolition of private ownership, and (3) the abolition of existing religions. The results to date had been fairly satisfactory and included murders of prominent men, sabotage and terrorism strikes, class war, industrial unrest and mystical association. The plan of action was, first to attack the British Empire as the bulwark of capi page 60 talism, and having beaten Britannia to her knees, to proceed to the land of the Star Spangled Banner where several hundred negroes were lynched each year. The methods of the revolutionaries were very subtle and included the capture of existing societies, especially those connected with labour, a vague subversive permeation by propaganda into universities and training colleges, and the establishment of Socialist Sunday schools. During the ensuing discussion several members appeared rather sceptical as to the reality of the menace. The prospects of the wicked Reds capturing the British Empire might be regarded as distinctly gloomy.

The meetings this year have been remarkable for the large number of students present and the enthusiasm displayed by members. It is evident that the problems of the day are receiving increasing attention from the students, and this fact must be particularly pleasing to the founders of the Club.