A SUBJECT FOR SERIOUS CONSIDERATION. [From the "Pacific News," August 7.]

New Zealander, Volume 6, Issue 466, 2 October 1850, Page 3

A SUBJECT FOR SERIOUS CONSIDERATION. [From the " Pacific News," August 7.]

The record of crime which wo published on Monday, shows an increase that must afford a serious subject of consideration to every man who wishes well of the city of his adoption. I^'ever, since the exciting days when the citizens arose in their might and cut short the lawless doings of the mob, by determined resistance and summary punishment, have our criminal courts been so burtbened as now; and it behoves every man to set his face against all manner of evil doing, that his own house may rest peaceably over head, and his persona] security be guarantee! hiia. Nor is it the overt acts alone, that deserve condemnation, but there are many things, apparently harmless in themselves, which lead to open violence. There is no reason why ihe Sabbaths in San Fjancisco should not pass as quietly and peaceably as those have, and will continue to do, where the greater portion of of us have spent our livei, thus far. The open gambling upon the Sabbath day has been stopped, and why should not the many other ways of desecrating a day rendered sacied by usage, if by no other consideiatjon ? The good scnte and the virtuous indignation of the community would frown a '* pugilistic exhibition" in the States on Sunday, and it should be so hete; and it can be. Such sighti disgrace any day of the week, but when they are openly advised and publicly attended on Sunday, it is time that men who set up adium to respectability, should not only condemn, but resolutely come forward and aid the proper authorities in suppressing them. Another grievous source of complaint, especially On the part of a religious society, is the fact that (he arena for " bull fighting" has been erected near the walls of the Catholic Church ; where, while the oiisons of the virtuous and devotional ascend for mercy end protection, the blasphemies and drunken reveliy ot the motley crowd outside grate painfully harsh upon the ear. If such spots must be indulged in, a decent respect for the feelings of a numerous and highly respectable class of citizsns, should have prompted ihe selection of ground at greater distance from the temple devoted to the living God. We were gratified to hear the Bishop on Sunduy, give his fatherly advice to the flock under his charge — to avoid the arena as they would a pest* house— to pass by "on the other side"— and to give a moral tone to the community by condemning such outrages upon the rights of otheis. We add again, the better portion of the community must frown the many evil ways, which, step by step, tend to the various ciimes that have swelled our court records bo fearfully. If not stopped now, they will by-and-by again find it necessary to organize a counterforce, and by determined punishment overawe the lawless crowds who disturb the peace and quit of our city by their nightly brawls, their Sunday bullfights and pugilistic encounters.