ORIGINAL CORRESPONDENCE.

Southland Times, Volume III, Issue 36, 29 January 1864, Page 2

ORIGINAL CORRESPONDENCE.

WE DO NOT HOLD OURSELVES RESPONSIBLE FOB THE OPINIONS EXPRESSED BX OTJR CORRESPONDENTS. To the Editor of the Invercargill Times. Sir, — I have no desire to trespass on your valuable space, but I am induced to make a few remarks on the extent to which Sabbath desecration is earned on in this town. lam only a stranger in the locality, having been here only a few Sundays. In that time, however, I have seen too much to convince me of the disgraceful manner in which Sabbath observance is neglected. The second Sunday after my arrival, on my way to church, the first object which attracted my attention was a man carrying a huge tree on Ms back, apparently with as much ease as if it were the middle of the week — doubtless, supported by the knowledge that he was only following the example of hundreds.- The same day I observed several parties deliberately employed putting up houses and chimneys and splitting wood, with as much self-satisfaction as if it were on Monday. I thought at the time that these were only uncommon occurrences, and such as might never come under my notice again ; but I was sadly mistaken, as I afterwards found out that it was of frequent occurrence. It appears that a great many of the working classes find Sunday a very convenient day for jobbing at their homes. A person that happens to live in or near the bush, is sure to be awakened on Sunday morning by the crash of the falling trecss, or the sound of the woodman's blow. Cutting down timber on Sunday seems to be their favoriteamusement; the sound of the axo rings and echos from one end of the bush to the other, and that all day. I have travelled all through the most of the polonies, but never saw Sabbath desecration so openly carried on as in Invercargill. Tliis is most remarkable, when I can say at the same time that I never was in a more quite and peaceable place through the week. lam not an enthusiast Mr. Editor, but 1 consider a total neglect of Sunday observance is a shameful thing in any Clu'istian place, and I merely throw out tliese remarks in hopes that some better pen and wiser bead will take up the subject. Surely, Mr. Editor, some effectual steps might be adopted to lessen, if not entirely suppress tins evil. What are the professors and staunch supporters of religion doing, when they do not take cognisance of it ? If the violation of human laws is visited with such condign punishments, is divine law to be trampled on with impunity ? Your obedient servant. Civilisation. Invercargill, Jan., 28th, 18G4.