SHY POVERTY.

Ashburton Guardian, Volume V, Issue 1245, 24 May 1886, Page 3

SHY POVERTY.

Wjs paint pictures of “ Chalterton, the marvellous boy but iustead of dreaming over hia untimely end, we should sub liruise it by striving to avert similr.r calamities. On all sides round about ns, men, women, youths, and maidens—children tven —are passing away for lack of friends and means to make exi-tenci possible u Alone in London ” “Lost ii London ” have been the titles nt books th writers of which have sought to show the realities of solitude in a city ; yet how few haev really known that tens of thousands may be found in lonely chambers, in the streets, in the parks, under the railway arches, oo the doorstep, in the cold corners of ; he bridges, sometimes, alas ! iti the impassive waier, sho are too proud or too shy to lug or who have been tempted to sin by poverty ! The numbers of such are appalling ; still they are outnumbered by the prosperous and well to-do. lestead of sentimentalising, waiting for poor-law reform, or talking of improvidence, it bi hoves us all to bestir ousolves in the sphere in which we live. However magnificent the palace in which we may chance to da ell, we may be sure to find the crowded poor-house at no great distance. Missions and house-to house visitations bring much distress to licht ; but the continuous efforts of individuals are needed. Wd lunk God that they are being made, and that Christian charity is increasing in the lard ; but so is poverty, None know so well ae the deny, minis fers, and city missionaries, how impossible it is to reach it all, oroventodiscovcr much that lies at our very doors. While one high-born dame is going forth to her social duties or her pleasures, another, as well-born as she, hides from view, or paces the streets in a hopeless search for occupation m her immediate neighbourhood ; for how to find work is a problem the reduced gentlewoman —or, indeed, ► gentleman cannot solve. We have known them walk about till they are faint with hunger and weariness in the vain quest, ending the day in the bitter conviction that monopolies, competition, and an ever-increasing population render It impossible for the timid seeker to find a livelihood. An indomitable will and mental courage will, perhaps, succeed, bu the irresolute and weak must fail.— Quiver