LETTERS TO THE EDITOR.

Cromwell Argus, Volume VI, Issue 311, 27 October 1875, Page 5

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR.

Jo the Editor of the Cromwell A holts,

Shi, I wish to put tlie following query to certain impulsive aiul generous-hearted townsfolk of Cromwell. If a handsome gold albert chain and locket is considered to be a suitable gift to make to the driver of a four-horse coach, on the first occasion of its runmng through from Dunedin to Cromwell, of what value and form should a presentation bo, to adequately represent and requite the services rendered by the engine driver who safely pilots the first railway train from the metropolis to the same destination ? 1 woul I rather have Sir Julius Vogel’s opinion on the matter, but that would be difficult to obtain ; and, besides, might conflict wiih that of the above-mentioned gentlemen, and thus make things unpleasant.—l am, &c., „, , „ Enquirer. October 22, 1875. ,>

GOOD TEMPLARS, BEWARE!

To the Editor of the Cromwell Argus. One of the best qualities a man can have is being able to keep a promise ; but the importance of keeping a promise is too often undervalued. It is no secret that all Good Templars have to take a solemn obligation, in the presence of witnesses, to abstain for life from the use of intoxicating liquor. Without this pledge no one can become a Good Templar. The language is so plain that it cannot be misunderstood. It is therefore strange that people should be so careless of their character, good name, and social well-being, as to lightly violate so solemn an obligation.

For some time back, as your readers aro aware, Good Templarism has been working wonde’s in the (bomwell district, but latterly several members of Order have drifted into their old habits, and if some active scops are not taken to remedy tho backsliding, the result will be serious.

Good Templars should bear in mind that in joining the Order they are enlisting in a mighty army, pledged to fight against a powerful foe, whose batteries, with their terrible artillery, are stationed in every town, who never lose an opportunity of taking a good position, where shot, shell, and grape can bo thrown to do the greatest amount of injury. It must he borne in mind that every Good Templar who violates his obligation is a prisoner to these opponents. Colonel Whisky never loves tho slightest opportunity of snapping men from his adversary’s ranks. Gaptain Porter, Sergeant Beer, ami Corporal Claret are ever ready to let drive at a struggling Templar. The skirmishing party, under the charge <>f Major Cordial, are ever on the march with loaded rifles, under the pretence that it is only blank cartridge that they are firing, but many a Good Templar has been shot dead with tbe blank cartridge as they call it ; and I am inclined to think that the drinking of what is given out as cordial has a groat deal to do with tho backsliding I have referred to. I would therefore suggest that tho Good Tern plars get a few average samples of the different cordials that are sold, and have them forwarded to tho Provincial Analyst, iu order to ascertain if alcohol is mixed with them. It would be a very easy matter for a publican to deceive people by adding spirits to cordials. It might he argued that it would he unprofitable for them to do so, but if it was the means of getting Good Tomplais on the spree, it would be a profitable game.—l am, &c., Good Templar. Bannockburn, October 25, 1875.