GOOD TEMPLARS.

New Zealand Times, Volume XXXI, Issue 4858, 17 October 1876, Page 2

GOOD TEMPLARS.

TO THE EDITOR OP THKKEW ZEALAUD TIMES. Sir,—Permit me, trough the medium of your columns, to say a few words on the speech, as reported in your paper, of the Rev. Mr. Twogood, of Marton, at the Synod of the Church of England, last Thursdhy. In reading the report I was struck with the unchristian-like spirit shown by the rev. gentleman. After shying that drunkenness prevailed |to a great extent in Martoa, one would have -thought be would have rejoiced to have had in their midst such societies as the LO.'B. and 1.0.G.T., as their principles are to restrain the vice of drunkenness by uniting with their faUett brethren in getting them to join their society. The rev. gentleman calls them people iwho have been turned out of other societies. Baying had. the honor to open the tent of the 1.0. R. in Marton, I would ask whether one who has been for years ■a prominent member of our Parliament, or one ; who holds a position as clerk in the Resident Magistrate’s Court at Marton, is liable to be turned out of other societies for shady transactions ’ U venture to say that they are thought more of in Marton by the inha'ntants than the rev. gentleman himself. ,Or whether one who holds a position as tradesman and druggist, or one who is a master builder?—and there are men who have to earn their living by the sweat of their brow who would ador* any society. These men, whether, belonging to the 1.0. B. or the 1.0.G.T., exercise that Christian principle that the rev. gentleman seems- to withhold -from the fallen—l mean charity'to our fallen neighbor. 4lr. Twogood detests a drunkard, yet he would adWse young men from having anything to do with snot societies as those in Marton. I venture to say that they are the same there s* anywhere elsej but perhaps the roy. gentleman has interest in some of the establishments at Marlon, and so it would not do for him to countenance suck societies. If so he .might well express great distrust of them, for ishould they succeed in getting away from the publichouse, if. it

is only one in a ! quarter, it will be worth all their .trouble. I think* sir. the Rev Mr. Twogood in his calm moments will regret using such harsh words of his parishioners as he did at the meeting. It was an unfair advantage to take, as he could not be contradicted there and then. It would redound more to his honor were he, like the Rev. Mr. Harvey,' who ' would again become a teetotaller if he could do any good by it. ; Mr. Twogood has a good opportunity In Marton, where they spend £IO,OOO a year in drink. Let him follow the example of the great apostle St. Paul, and the example of the good Samaritan, instead of despising the drunkard. Were he to do this, lam but® be would ; be doing a great Christian duty. Thanking you for your courtesy,—l am Wellington, October 14.