PASSING NOTES.

Wairoa Bell, Volume V, Issue 175, 9 December 1892, Page 3

PASSING NOTES.

(By

Caution.)

After a brief respite, I come again to the strife—this time to caution against a growing social evil. To all who are close observers of the trials Df the rising generation it is obvious that the unlimited relaxation from discipline allowed to many of the youth of the Colony is producing very evil results, especially in towns and cities. But this evil is fast spreading, and I am sorry to chronicle that even in Aratapu larrikinism (as yet in its infancy) is fast increasing. Go out any evening you will, and you are sure to meet a crowd of young boys—some of them mere children—who, when out of their parents’ sight, indulge in tricks which will, sooner or later, get them and their parents into trouble. Only last week, one boy had a narrow escape of spending a night in the lock-up for interfering with the rights of the inhabitants of the houses in the village. lam informed he was quite innocent of the offence; but, he was in company with those who perhaps were not, and so, nearly suffered for his choice of companions. I have no doubt many of the parents around, do not know where their children are of an evening or they would take steps to restrain their passion for fun that is often followed by severe punishment. Discipline in school is all very well, but if its power is lessened by outside influences, it fails entirely in its object.

Last Sunday afternoon we were favoured by a Choral service in the Aratapu Anglican Church. Afternoon service is supposed to commence at 3 p.m., but it was quite 3.30 p.m. before a lay-reader, in the absence of the minister, began the service. Of course no blame can be attached to any one for Mr Boler’s late arrival as the elements were unfavourable, but surely the lay-reader could have begun service at the appointed time as well as half an hour later. The service was a special one, and among the specialities, I ■was struck with the special nature of the sermon. lam not a sectarian, nor do I believe in bigotry in any form, but there were several things in the sermon which would have been much better left unsaid. Ido not know whether the reverend gentleman took the opportunity of his having a mixed congregation to handle his text in the way he did, but, I think he should have respected the feelings of those differing in opinion from himself, and been less sarcastic in consequence. * * a What a surprise to the good people of the sawdust, when Tatarariki put their team down in such a way on Saturday. Perhaps it will be a lesson to them, and certainly will create more interest in cricket. By-the - way, Mr Editor, you are a cricketer, and might suggest through your loud-sounding Bell the advisability of forming a Cricket Association on the river. A Wairoa team might be able to visit Auckland then, and try conclusions with the City clubs.