“THE SIGN,” THE MONTHLY MAGAZINE OF HOLY TRINITY CHURCH.

Gisborne Times, Volume XXV, Issue 2178, 6 September 1907, Page 1

“THE SIGN,” THE MONTHLY MAGAZINE OF HOLY TRINITY CHURCH.

[To the Editor.] Sir, —My attention has been attracted by two notices which appear on the blue cover of the above magazine for August. One’ states in fer ference to the meetings of the Gisborne United Band of Hope Unooii that the clergy cannot unite in the work, and “unless parents are prepared always to go with their children, stay with them, and bring them home again, we urge them- not to allow the children to join or even .attend a Band of Hope or any other regular evening meeting.” But, sir, the above statement is contradicted on another part of tli 6 same cover, where it is stated that the clergy are to conduct in a lonely part of Kara: an' entertainment with lantern humorous slides for young people. There i 6 no reference to parents accompanying them. Sir, to my mind, phe first notice not only manifests religious bigotry and intolerance on the part of the writer, but is ail insult to the intelligence of the people ot Gisborne. More than that, it is an insult to the Christian'ministers" and friends and committee who have been giving their time and talents to help to lead the children and young people into the paths of temperance and virtue, and to develop the talents of those who have entertained the lairge n„(iian,DQ wlm have attended the

meetings. The utmost care has been taken in preparing the programmes, to secure their being instructive -as well as entertaining. Tile advertisements show the hour of closing, 8.45 to 9, not 10, as many are, and'only moonlight nights have been selected. As a very old abstainer 1 am sure temperance is the handmaid of religion. I don’t mean sectarianism or “churchianiiity,” as that eloquent speaker, Miss Murcubt, called it, but Christianity as we find it in our New Testament.' Now, Sir, if this beautiful district is to Tie redeemed from tlio blighting influences of the public sale of alcoholic liquors it will not be by the spirit of self-righteous pride, hut by earnest work to uplift humanity, enthused by the spirit of Him whoso name and nature are Love. J. PEOKOVER. Gisborne, Sept. 5.