BILLIARD – PLAYING, DANCING, SABBATH – BREAKING, AND DRUNKENNESS : THE FOUR GREAT EVILS OF WAIKATO.

Waikato Times, Volume XIV, Issue 1203, 13 March 1880, Page 3

BILLIARD - PLAYING, DANCING, SABBATH - BREAKING, AND DRUNKENNESS : THE FOUR GREAT EVILS OF WAIKATO.

10 THE EDITOK. Sir, — As one who is deeply interested in the prosperity of the Waikato, will you permit me to make a few observations on a subject which has long occupied my mind, viz., the evils existing in this district calculated to have an injurious effect upon society? That the abovenamed are all evils will of course be the opinion of only part of the community ; would that it were the opinion of all, then should we see a much better state of things than at present. Though there may be many who look upon them as quite innocent, there are also, I am proud to say, many who take a very different view. On behalf of this latter section of the community I write; and we ask when will our fellow colonists be alive to the fact that these four evils above mentioned are thieves and robbers, which are carrying on a most successful crusade against their victims : stealing, ravaging, and destroying in a most unmerciful manner. "Give me back my money," cries the unfortunate billiard-player, but in vain ; " and my lost time," shouts the silly dancer, " but no response. "Give me back my sobriety and my good name, " cries the miserable drunkard, but to no purpose. "Restore me to my former position of honor, "is the wicked Sabbathbreaker's cry," but he remains lightly esteemed. Sir, it is time something was done to stop this torrent of iniquity. Too many, alas ! have been the terrible results of indulgence in these ill-named innocencies which have come under my own notice. How many young men have left their homes with prospects good and hopes high ; but by some so-called friend taken " just for one game " to the billiard table, and what the result ? Why, he has gone from bad to worse until he has got down to the lowest grade of degradation ; disowned by his friends, despised by all. How many young men and women indulge in dancing as a pleasant pastime ? They are awake at a midnight hour ; their consciences are fast asleep ! Returning home, perhaps at 5 aun., with weary limbs, dizzy heads and achWg hearts. Time that should have been given to "Natures sweet restorer " foolishly thrown away in whirling about in all sorts of fantastic fashions ; though too often this is not the worst part of the business. But are there any Sabbath breakers in Waikato ? Alas Sir ! We are bound to answer in the affirmative. Great sin and disgrace as it is, it is very prevalent in our midst. Instead of seeing all the churches filled with worshippers, we see many out riding, hunting, yachting and the like. Cases in point could be mentioned We would remind these violators of God's law, of what the great Sir Robert Peel said on this subject. " I never knew a man to escape failures in either mind or body who worked seven days in the week." Of drunkeness it may be affirmed " All the crimes 011 earth do not destroy so many of the human race, nor alienate so much property a.s it dpea. " And yet this demon ia g}v«n a, j>}a c <j amongst us who have eom.e"here to make

peaceful and happy homes. Away with this Achan out of our camp ! He robs our fellow-men of their hard earnings, of their precious senses, of their peace and happiness. Spoiling their God given capabilities, and crushing them down to the ground. Away with the demon ! we vehemently cry, if we allow him to remain he will blight our hopes, break up our homes, send us into bankruptcy and ruin our souls. Sir. is it not a fact, that thousands of pounds are spent annually in intoxicating liquors in the Waikato district, and is it not a fact that a billiard table costs £60 or £70, and then does not each marker receive £2 per week. In the face of this, need we ask where the money goes ? We have light sufficient, the problem is solved. But can we do nothing to right matters somewhat ? Why not have public libraries, where young men and old could spend their evening looking over the spread of papers and periodicals, English and Colonial, scanning a good display of general literature ? Why not have young men's mutual improvement classes, and young women's too ? Why not organise temperance societies, and indues those too fond of the glass to join and reform? Why not establish a literary institute, or do something for the benefit of those who now are the victims of these evils. Trusting my remarks will offend none, but draw forth some suggestions from those interested in this matter. — I am, &c, 0 TEMroRA ! 0 Mores. March 11th, 1880.