THE MORALS OF CHRISTCHURCH.

Press, Volume LII, Issue 9173, 2 August 1895, Page 9

THE MORALS OF CHRISTCHURCH.

TO THE EDITOR OF THE PRESS. Sir,—When prohibition leaders are found out making exaggerated or untrue state ments, they invariably attempt to ahufik their respousioiiity upon others. It may or may r.ot be true, as stated by your correspondent G.G.8., that Mr Isitt was informed by an officer of the Salvatior Army that there were 700 prostitutes living in Christchurch, yet from my slight knowledge of the truthfulness and caution o:' Salvation Army officers I doubt even this. Still, Mrlsitt, in support and furtherance oi his contentions, having repeated the statemeat at a public meeting without first ascertaining the facts, must be held responsible for its truth or otherwise. Your correspondent also gives as his opinion that Mr Isitt would have little difficulty in proving that there were 130 brothels in this city, and that drink was sold in a large pr-por-.tion of them. Now, sir, the Rev. Pastor Birch, whose character for veracity and honesty of purpose is acknowledged, not only in Christchurch but over New Zealand, before that of any prohibitionist, states in a letter published by a contemporary that these 700 prostitutes, and over 100 brothels exist only in Mr Isitt's brain, that the latter has grossly exaggerated, that the number of brothels does nofe exceed thirty, that instead of 700 prostitute* -the actual number this week is 129, and that includes forty elderly women, for whom an effort is being made to provide a permanent infirmary home. This number also includes women who live in lodgings quietly, yet obtain their liviug from the outside by the manner referred to. Pastor Birch also asserts that it is gross exaggeration for Mr Isitt to say drink plays a leading part in wrecking these women, the true iacts being that 80 per cent, come from the domestic servant and factory class, who do not fall through drink, but often from causes the Pastor enumerates in his letter. It is about time that the public of Christchurch, who have hitherto been indifferent, should take exception to the maligning and foul traducing of this city aud its people by a few rabid advocates for prohibition.—Yours, &c, Old Colonist.