" The Distaff."

Waikato Times, Volume XXVIII, Issue 2262, 8 January 1887, Page 2 (Supplement)

" The Distaff."

By Viola.

ASTITCEI IN TIME.

We all know by experience how great the wear and tear is of things in daily use. There is need of continual repair, if things are not to go from bad to worse." The truth of the old adage, "A stitch in time 'saves nine," is universally known and acknowledged. We may be sure that what is true of material things is equally true of the mental life. The cracks and rents of household goods and garments repeat thornselves in the homes and habits of humanity, unless continual watchfulness and self control are used. In home life, the beginnings of these may generally be traced tp-ill temper and carelessness in not trying to please those with whom we live. The greatest dangers and evils arise from the all too general habit of giving way to passing moods of ill-temper. Families feel they'a re too closely united to part for small differences, hence they allow small discords to grow into large ones, an,d, ..perhaps too sure of one another's loyalty'in the great matters of life, they give.themselves no trouble, to please, nor to.conciliate in the less important affairs of daily intercourse. Let a stranger come among them, and immediately everyone ie polite, attentive and amiable. The need of home courtesy, home politeuess, home restraint, is one which presses alike in the cottage as in the mansion. The hone should be a place of freedom from care, from stiffness, and from the need of playing a part, and bearing boredom with a good grace as we frequently must when in society, but it is sometim'es unfortunately made the place of freedom from self-control and consideration for others. The home life, which is not a life of peace, fails in its most important meaning. The dignity of life is lost with its serenity, and home is no longer the place of peace. We are told It is the little rift within the lute That by and by will make the music mute. If the stitch in time was only taken in all things, a great deal of trouble might be spared. The first cracks made in the smooth surface of friendship are as dangerous as those in the home life. Freedom of speech and exactingness of attention, neglect of due forms, all these are cracks to be stopped in the beginning, or else the time will come when no repairs will avail.