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Thames Star, Volume X, Issue 3435, 27 December 1879, Page 2

We are accustomed to proclaim that, in this new land of ours, religious intolerance 'is a thing unknown; and until the disgraceful riots of yesterday in Canterbury we were justified in believing so, and that it was impossible for bigotry and dogmatism to take root or flourish in the Britain of the South. To all lovers of freedom in its widest sense the occurrence! of yesterday in Christchurch and Timara will cause pain and -sorrow; mingled with deep regret that our fellow colonists should cause a renewal of scenes the evil effects of which are so well known. From the fact that outbreaks occurred simultaneously in. Timaru and Christchurch it would seem that the feelings which led to the disgraceful scenes are widespread, and that yesterday's occurrences were the result of a prearranged course of action. It is a matter of surprise that such a state of sectarian feeling should exist in Canterbury. Were the riot the result of political opinions we could forgive the perpetrators and put down their conduct to feelings orer heated for a time ; and might also console ourselves tb&t when the exciting cause wai withdrawn, both parties would regret their intemperance and the good feelings of old would return, little the worse for the rude shock sustained. But when, instead of being able to say, difference of political opinions, we have to. admit that ill-feeling has been stirred up and disturbances have taken place over religious opinions, the case assumes a character grave in the extreme, and ono calling for expressions of deprecation and disapproval by the more sensible and discerning. To the most casual observer it must be apparent that great harm must ensue from such exhibitions of feeling, and good to either party must be the last thing looked for.