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Daily Telegraph (Napier), Issue 5388, 29 November 1888, Page 2

Some good meaning, but dolefully misguided, people at Dunedin have issued a little paper urging the necessity for prayer and humiliation, for the following reason : —" It has been felt by some that the blessings and privileges of this young land have been great, but that their abuse has brought upon it the displeasure of the Almighty," as evidenced in the intense commercial depression prevailing." The Oamaru Mail asks, what aro people to pray for? "Wo are blessed with as much agricultural and pastoral fertility as ever—are we to pray for a drought like that which is devastating large portions of Australia? Everything that tho heart could desiro has been provided for us by nature. If we have suffered exceptional difficulties, we have only our own perversity to thank for it. To suggest that tho Supreme Being should be implored to specially intervene in our behalf is to exhibit base ingratitude, as well as a want of the higher qualities which adorn humanity, and to repudiate all human responsibility. Our prospect is now brightening, and if we would enjoy to the fullest the change for the better that is gradually coming over our circumstances, wo must give play to the bettor parts of our natures—bo industrious and honest in our public and private transactions. Wo must put our shoulders to the wheel, for God helps thoso who help themselves."