CORRESPONDENCE.

Feilding Star, Volume III, Issue 99, 3 May 1883, Page 3

CORRESPONDENCE.

. + Larrikinisni. * THE EDITOR OF THE FEILDI>O STAR. Sic, — Permit me to offer a few remarks re the subject of the larrikin. It appears to be an aniraal peculiar to the colonies, and I have had a larger acquaintance with the creature during my residence here than ever I had before. Every paper you pick up shows indications of his pressnee, and a receipt how 'to cure him, _. but, as in the old cookery book, you first "have to " calch him." I like the tone of your article, and the necessity for dealing with this question at once- The rabbit nuisance is bad, and perhaps the Maori difficulty is worse ; but that our bright boys (ond shall I say girls?) should become larrikins, is a matter far more serious. Ido not wish to moralize, but as the twig is bent so the tree will growj and if present neglect of youth is allowed to continue, it will not require a j prophet io predict the consequences. I agree with the remarks of " Another Citizen" re sunday schools. Their intentions may be good, but they have failed in the past to do much material good. It is' to be hoped, sir, the larrikins will profit by your advice — either to stay at home or to go io a place of worship. Of course, that refe-s to only one day, but there are seven days in the week io tolerate him, and. my observations prove to me his parents don't want him at home. ■ They are only too happy that he takes io the street; and as for his attendance at a place of worship, if there is " do lark" connected with it. you might as weU advise .the eel in the creek to walk into your office. Well, what is to be done ? Shall we not treat the difficulty as we do a wild animal ? Study its nature, propensities, habits and inclinations. If we find them noisy, volatile, with an inclination of always to be doing, we cannot say that these faculties in themselves are bad. Could they not be utilized by a little judicious arrangement P Could not we in this town organise an institution similar to a working men's club, to include a gymnasium, reading room, and a room for healthy and profitable mental entertainment. Some of our ministers and pastors might throw off a little of their sanctity and helf in this direction. The individual would be improved, society benefit! Ed, and larrikism would die out. — I am, &c, New Chuh.