The Daily News. WEDNESDAY, MAY 15, 1901. THE SABBAT QUESTION.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume XXIII, Issue 102, 15 May 1901, Page 2

The Daily News. WEDNESDAY, MAY 15, 1901. THE SABBAT QUESTION.

EvEßYright-minded person will heirtily endorse the reniaiks of Councillor Bellringer whan moving that the Boiough Council of New Plymouth inter a protest against men in the employ of tho Government being e .ll< d upon to work on the Sabbith day. No doubt tbei o are times in connection with the workirig of a big public department like the New Zealaed Railways when it is absolutely necesary for work to be done en the Sunday; but these, with proper foresight and cure, need only be when au accident Jor a breakdown occurs. Lately there has been a growing distend for the sanctity of the Sabbath and of the feelings of those who hold this day sacred, Oa more than oce occasion we have protested against the running of Sunday trains, and we contend that these trains are altogether unnecessary. Only on Sunday morning last th« residents of the Borough and indeed sutlers all along the line, were disturbed by the whistling of the special train which brought the outgoing 'Piisco mail which was 6ent on to Auckland by the Kctoiti. By closing this mail a matter of four or five hours earlier thh train could have reachfd New Plymouth before midnight on Saturday ; as a matter of fact this mail closed in New Plymouth at 7 p.m. on Saturday, twelve hour* before the arrival of the twin in New Plymouth. In the case cf the railway reclama'ion work, there is little doubt but that Sunday work cm be avoided. Probably doiDg so will increase the cost to a trifling degree ; but a "few pounds extra cost is as nothing to themo:al i effect on the coramun'ty of ignorin» | the sanctity of the Sibba'h T)ty. The protest of the Boiough Council is well ! timed, and will no doubt act ss a check on those respoßsible for the pros' cu* ion of work on Sunday. We are glad to Lie able to say that the stition-master, thagent of the Union S.d. Compjny, and the harbourmaster havedetermiaed to sat their fji.es against Sunday work in connection with the Port, and no cargo boats will be worked at the breakwater if they can help it. Tfao protest if the Boiough Council will help them very considerably in maintaining this position, and wa trust the Boiough Council will have the hearty support of the : public in their eflbris to preserve the i Sabbath as a true day of reet. i