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Evening Star, Issue 7387, 6 December 1887, Page 3

TO THE EDITOR. Sir, —I again see in this evening's issue of the Stab a letter alluding to the disgraceful fact of “ white slaver ” in the shape of parcels boys existing in this Christian community of Dunedin, and I sincerely hope he will carry out his intention of drawing the attention of Parlialiiment to the matter. It is high time something- was done to prevent unscrupulous employ era from treating their employes in any way they think fit. An instance of what I consider most inhuman treatment came under my notice only last Saturday night, the facts of which I will here give and allow the public to judge for themselves.

A knock came at the door, and when I opened it I saw the thin, pale face of a girl apparently about thirteen years of age, who inquired if a certain person “ lived here ?” She was carrying two of the largest millinery boxes, one on each arm, and a largo square parcel besides. Immediately I saw her 1 called my wife to let her see how she was loaded, and then, taking one of the boxes, went with her to the place she inquired for. The night was cold and dark, and, having no light, I lost my way going from the gate to the house, and had to whistleandcooey to draw the attention of the people in the house, so that I might be guided by the light, and so save ourselves from the possibility of slipping down an embankment. In reply to questions, the girl told me she had left the shop at 8.30, and hoped to be borne by ten o’clock. Here, however, she was a long way out, a» upon referring to my watch it wanted ten minutes to ten, and as she had to go to several other places she could not get back to the .‘hop before eleven at the earliest. She said she received 8s per week, but as she Jived a long way from the shop she got her tram paid home. The hoy who had done this work previously bad left, as the work was too heavy for him. Another boy had been engaged, b.rt he had been sent in another direction.

Surely the lad es of Dunedin do not want delicate young girls sent out through the lowest parts of the town, passing the Chinese quarters and running other risks, at an hour on Saturday nights when they should be in bed, for the simple reason that they may attend church tho next morning in a new hat or bonnet. Our parsons and ministers create a great hubbub and cry out about the Bible-in schools question, but do they ever interest themselves about the children’s physical well being. They have plenty of leisure, why do they not try and influence the employers of Dunedin to act in a manner consistent with their rel‘gio\is professions ? Probably they w oqld lose a few of their Church members, but what of that ? In my opinion, ministers of religion should do according to Wolsey’s advice to Cromwell— “ Love themselves last.”

It is to be regretted that Mr Bradshaw did not live to complete the great and good work which he commenced. I fancy the day is far off when we shall have such another to champion the cause of the helpless, and, in many cases, orphans. lam inclined to think that the girl I am writing of had lost one, if not both parents, as she was in mourning, and I fancy parents would have taken more interest in her. Hoping some more able pen than mine will continue to advocate the cause of early closing—l am, etc., One Who Detests Oppression. Dunedin, December 5,