Correspondence.

Lyttelton Times, Volume VI, Issue 356, 2 April 1856, Page 7

Correspondence.

To the Editor nf the Lyttelton Ti>p.c.i.

Sir, —Will you permit me through the medium of your journal to direct public attention to an existing nuisance, which I think ought to be, and I believe can be, immediately remedied. Most of my fellow, townsmen are aware that a number of boys assemble nightly on the jetty, where they amuse themselves in a manner1 at once dangerous and demoralizing. It was but this evening I saw a lad suspended from the end of the chain, while three or four others whirled him round at their utmost speed. Life at best hang's by a slender thread, but. how slight the accident which might have hurled him to an untimely death ! or should one of those who were running the crane round, have tripped and fallen, his limbs might be broken as easily as that of the poor horse, which was shot, on the beach this morning-. So much for the dang'jr: and I think I need not say much uj>on the demoralizing nature of such amusements as needlessly peril life and limb. But that is not all. From the mouths of the children there assembled, I have heard oaths as fierce and glowing, and obscenity as gross and filthy. as ever I did from the rabble, of Smithfield or Billingsgate. There are plenty to bear me out in this assertion, and I presume it is simply because, that which every one ought to do, nobody likes to meddle with, that some steps have not been taken to put a stop to this growing evil. I am no advocate for constabulary interference with popular amusements; but, I do think, the police are the most proper conservators of [ public life and property. Our poor old I crane will be worn out quite soon enough, without being converted into a sicine/ or a roiind-ahout; and a public wharf is not exactly the place where a lot of thoughtless lads should sint^ s:nutty capstan songs, or crack obscene jests. ; This hint will, I trust, be sufficiently \ forcible, and in conclusion I would beg1 to suggest the propriety of fixing an iron clamp on the foot of the crane, which might be secured to the floor of the jetty by [ a staple and padlock eveiy evening, and so effectual!}' prevent the abuse of that machine, the use of which is so important to the commercial interests of Lyttelton. I remain, Sir, your obedient servant, C. J. R. Lyttelton, March 24tl>, 1850.