EARLY CLOSING.

Daily Southern Cross, Volume XXVII, Issue 4330, 1 July 1871, Page 3

EARLY CLOSING.

"Ring out the old, ring in the new, King out the false, ring in the true." TO THE EDITOE Sih, — There is perhaps no question that so directly addresses itself to women as that of "early closing." *Tbey can do so nvtich to forward the movement'byMliuiptf^ethought, ; and determination that no considerations shall induce them to countenance "shopping" after six o'clock — say rather five o'clock. I have strong faith in the give-and-take of mutual goodwill. It is not wise to wring the last drop of sweat even from a horse, much less a mac. Life should have a purpose higher, holier, than mere slaving f r bread. Gold is not the only good, and is good only when it takes the canker out of life — not ! when it puts it in. Ah yes, Mr. Editor, give the little ones time to twine themselves round the father's heart, to play on the spring of every manly, generous impulse. Virtue is the only safe foundation on which to build up a young nation. Men and women of sterling worth crave and must have a silent hour, off the treadmill of this work- a- day world : let not a mad race for riches turn the golden ore of our better nature into dross. The man is better than the metal." It is well to inspire kindly, not grudging service, cheered by the sweet melody a fellowfeeling awakens — gratitude's matins] and vesper hymn: make a little more room for heaven in the cark and fret of daily toil ; each one resolved to do his part to crowd wrong out of the world, to usher in healthy reforms. 0 let real worth keep speed with our Wealth ; God help us if it does not — we shall be in a pitiful plight. A bed of gold is too knotty to die on : t if bankrupt in all else, it. will plant thorns in our pillow, and wreathe our brow with grim spectral fancies. Women can give this "mite;" show an unselfish interest in the movement by setting their faces with steady persistency against all " shopping " after six o'clock. lam given to understand that only one bookseller objects to close at four o'clock. With a people's park in the heart of our city we may hope to draw on the best bank a growing country can ever know — Heaven, — drink in its pure joys and beat blessings. — I am, &c, J.W.