The Daily News. MONDAY, OCTOBER 8, 1901. MORAL LEGISLATION.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume XXIII, Issue 28, 7 October 1901, Page 2

The Daily News. MONDAY, OCTOBER 8, 1901. MORAL LEGISLATION.

The large attendance at the meeting s held to consider wbat course should be adopted to preserve the sanctity of the Sabbath Bay showed in a very marked manner that the promoters of the meeting formed a large and influential section of the community. Ho doubt the question is surrounded with difficulties, and while many deplore the growing disregard for the sanctity of the Sabbath it is not easy to point out the /remedy. It may be held that this is not a aubject for the secular press, but while we have no desire to preacb, and thus usurp-the.functions of the pulpit, we are prepared to assert that it is the undoubted duty of the press to support the pulpit in demanding on bshalf of the children that they should grow up in the midst of clean, wholesome and moral surroundings. Ever since the Creation one day of the week has been haid sacred, As a Ohfiathn nation the first day of the -week is recognised throughout the British. Empire, and whatever may be said or done by individuals the national conscience is, fortunately, still a force to be reckoned with. All our laws, national customs, and habits are bused on the fundamental principles of the' Christian religion, one of the tftost . important of which is tb.e sanctity of oneday as a Sabbath. This is recognised by Jews and Gentiles, whether the latter be Greeks, Catholics, or Protestants. We are told that people cannot be mads sober, moral or religious by A,ct of Parliament, We are not to sure.about that, because people are largely influenced by their ; envitonment; but of this we are quite sure : that nothing does more to destroy the moral fibre of a community than the open disregard, neglect, or defiance of the laws of God and man. Go to the student of his' ory what do we learn ? We learn a 1* son that is 60 marked as to be quite startling. In asking the Borough Council to refuse to licenso Sunday entertainments, etc., those moving in the matter desire to raise the tone of the community, and improve its moial atmosphere. In this they are deserving of the support of all who wish well to the town and neighbourhood. In these days of compulsory half-holidays there is no excuse far encroaching on the Sabbath with anything in the shape of sports or of a semi-secular nature. Every attempt to introduce the Continental Sunday to this colony should be sternly put down as inimical to thej State and injurious to the moral welfare of the community.