SHALL THE ATHENÆUM BE OPENED ON THE SABBATH!

New Zealand Times, Volume XXXIV, Issue 5578, 13 February 1879, Page 3

SHALL THE ATHENÆUM BE OPENED ON THE SABBATH!

TO THE EDITOR OF THE NEW ZEALAND TIMES. Sir, —I will ask for a little of your valuable space in to-day’s publication merely to state a few facts bn the other side of the case concerning the opening of the Athenmum readingrooms on the Sabbath. A few agitators with their friends have made themselves busy in bringing this proposition to the front, and if the members will but take note of these individuals on next Tuesday evening they will see tbe faces of men who are conspicuous in anything fresh, if the truth must be told, only to gain a false prominence among their fellows. I will ask any man what is there instructive or fit for Sabbath reading in those rooms ? Very little indeed. Newspapers and illustrated magazines form tho greater part. What father would send his boys to pass the afternoon of rest away in scanning the funny yet often vulgar pictures of Punch and others of its'kind ? Very few. Then why set them the bad example? Besides, there is every facility for subscribers to take home what books they may choose for Sabbath reading, and there is a rule that all the last numbers of periodicals shall be put in circulation. And this I must say, that if those city men, and the roll of subscribers is largely composed of the same, who so often complain of the want of change »f scene and fresh air stive themselves up for hours in those badly ventilated reading rooms instead of enjoying God’s picture of healthgiving nature in quiet rambles through our beautiful country, they are to be pitied as fools fritteuing their health and brains away. No, that fourth commandment cannot be bettered, and depend upon it this is only getting the thin edge of the wedge in—making every day the same, ignoring the great want of nature, and leading the easily led to soeptism. It is the duty of our spiritual leaders, there are nearly a dozen belonging to the institute, to face public opinion in tbis matter, and take up tho cause of religion and rest, expressing their opinions at the meeting. And to conclude, the committee must not forget that if new members will be gained by having this proposition carried many old members will leave, and my annual guinea will be wanting.— I am, &c., An Old Subscriber.