CORRESPONDENCE.

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume XVI, Issue 180, 30 July 1881, Page 2

CORRESPONDENCE.

To the Editob op thb " Evening Mail.' Sib— The letter of "Nil Desperandum " demands a passing notice from an exponent of what may be regarded as the opposite, or more sensible, view of the question introduced by him. The world ia changing day by day, and in many important respects it is not the same world to-day that it was when " Nil Desperandum" sported "pinafore and blouse ;" and one of the unmistakable and gratifying results of a more extended knowledge and general enlightenment of all classes of society will be the abandonment and banishment from civilised countries of those old customs which tarnish the civilisation of the present day, one of which, without reason, he appears anxious to retain. For the satisfaction of " Nil Desperandum " let me remind him that processions such as he advocates are doomed, and at no very distant date these execrable adjuncts of Friendly Societies will become obsolete. After a careful perusal of what I presume the writer vainly hopes are arguments, it appears clear that the basis and foundation of the utility of processions is to be found "in an inherent love of show and finery," and on this ground, forsooth, the detestable custom or habit is to be perpetuated. Folly would be its proper title. Away with it, I say, and all kindred usages of society which tend to degrade rather than elevate our manhood. I give

place to none in my loyalty to Friendly Benefit Societies, and in sympathy with others desire to see them purged of all those offensive details which render them repugnant and distasteful to many who would i otherwise^ couajenance and support. Not I only, is this feeiing engendered and firmly esi tablished by vain displays, but it hinders the operation of the noble principles for which the Societies exist. Take a homely illustration of meaning : the benevolent philanthroi phist is not known and revered for his dis- , play and ostentation, but for the beneficent i act done, "so that the left hand knoweth i not what the right hand doeth." This disinterested principle permeates, or should do so, every Benefit Society. They are a combination of units to do the same work collectively and more efficiently than it is pos- : sible for one, to accomplish, alone. They relieve the sick, house the widow* and educate the orphan, and when " the vital spark of heavenly flame " quits this mortal frame, they bury the <?ead t All honor to them, On the other hand, what does the procession proclrm ? At every step of the miserable cortege there rings forth the unspoken fact, See our grandeur, mark our regalia, observe our pomp, is this, I ask, true humility? Is this fulfilling the purpose of their existence ? Again, '* NilDesperandum " says "Processions ate iiiiraenseir attractive." , Who disputes it ? So are "bull fights in some countries ; so is a pugilistic encounter to many; so is a drunken street brawl. Is the attractiveness of these degrading pas? l times and vices proof of their usefulness ■. "to lead men's minds from low and grovelling desires ? " If so, we had better have bull fights in Nelson, and ,the Symons memorial shall be the centre of the amphitheatre. I could point out, if space per- . mitted, many practical and conclusive reasons to show that the conservative spirit mani- ; f ested by " Nil Desperandum " and his special delights— "processions "—are a gross caricature upon our noble Benefit" Societies, but simply reply to his one .and only argument, and in conclusion ask him to judge fairly if they are not childish, opposed to the principles of our Order, a violation of " Faith hope and charity," needless and unnecessary expense, productive of no permanent good results, and, last but not least, a relic of past barbarism.— l am, &c, Tempoea Mutantub.