POVERTY AND PAWNPROKERS.

Daily Southern Cross, Volume XXIII, Issue 3019, 30 March 1867, Page 6

POVERTY AND PAWNPROKERS.

To the Editor of the Dailt Southern Cross. Sib, — While it cannot be denied that your repeated strictures upon the rates of interest charged by the pawnbrokers as extortionate are deserving, I presume it cannot be denied that such establishments are necessary evils as much as public-houses, billiardlooms, dancing-halls, &C, &c. It ia easy for folks lolling at their ease, frith good iucomes or salaries, to deny the necessity of such places — they don't need them — but what are poverty-stricken and sickstricken folks to do, but for such places, often the only relative they oan get assistance from ? It ia only those who have felt the pinch of poverty who are in a fit position to assert whether such places could be done without or not. Pavrnbroking establishments are compelled to adopt certain regulations, rates of interest, &c, in every part of the world ; but this it a well-known fact. Whose fault is this but our own legislators, who, while they play ab Parliaments, overlook our domestic necessities ? While I am not defending the pawnbrokers in this city, I consider them little more to blame than plenty of men here, who lend money on mortgages, renew bilk, &c, at 20 to 25 per cent., of Which we hear but little stricture, even when exposed. Besides, when the owner of any ornamtnt may value it at a pound, the really intrinsic value may be 7s. 6d. 1 fully believe that as much is advanced upon, these olasa of. goods as they would realise at auction. If I don't mistake, the firtt pawnbroking shop was established here while the Frovinoial Council was sitting. It was then the duty of the Government to have at once placed such establishment under proper regulations, and thus prevent the evils now decried j and therefore in casting blame it is necessary you should not overlook those most deserving of such blame. — I have, &c, Pko Boko Publico.