AN ABUSE OF LIBERTY.

Globe, Volume XXIII, Issue 2173, 11 February 1881, Page 2

AN ABUSE OF LIBERTY.

Theee is nothing over which so much effusion has taken place, or so much bombast been spoken as that which is called the liberty of the subject. Indeed, to such an extent is it allowed to go, that it becomes under the guise of freedom of thought and action perfectly oppressive in some instances. We should not for one moment desire to see freedom of speech, thought, or action abrogated where these blessings are rightly used, and do not by their exorcise tend to become a nuisance or oppression to others. Therefore it is that we approach the subject of this 'article with some degree of diffidence. For some time past the streets of the city on a Sunday evening have been occupied by different bands of wellmeaning persons, who deliver discourses on religious subjects. No doubt, in itself, this is a very excellent method of employing the talents with which those

persons have been gifted, and if no annoyance or obstruction were caused by it, then nothing could bo said. But we should like to call attention——entirely and solely disconnected with any religious or sectarian reasons—to the fact that these gatherings on Sunday evenings are not only productive of much annoyance to the public generally, but that they positively defeat the object for which they are supposed to be held. Let any one stand for a few minutes near the Godley statue on a Sunday evening, and he will hear more blasphemy, more mockery and ridicule of things usually held sacred than can bo conceived to bo possible. These addresses gather—in addition to many earnest men and women whom it is impossible but to respect—crowds of the larrikindom of Christchurch of both sexes. _ Not alone so, but the police will point out that in many instances these crowds are made use of by thieves to ply their trade. Wo assert, therefore, that even granting the modicum of good done by such assemblages, it is outweighed altogether by the many evils arising therefrom. This is putting aside altogether the obstruction caused in the streets. On Sunday night last no less than six of these itinerant preachers were holding forth in different parts of the city, each congregating a fairly numerous Leaving out of the question any maudlin sentiment, and looking at the matter from a common sense point of view, we cannot but come to the conclusion that both in the interests of religion, and that of the citizens generally, it is time those gatherings were stopped.