JOHN HOSKING AND PROHIBITION.

Hastings Standard, Issue 147, 16 October 1896, Page 2

JOHN HOSKING AND PROHIBITION.

[To The Editor.] Sir, —I entirely endorse the opinion expressed by your correspondent who signs himself " Methodist." I think it is about time that John Hosking's crusade was stopped. As a member of his congregation, I have no hesitation in that it is a most flagrant scandal disgrace to the Wesleyan Church autiTOities to have tolerated or allowed ono of their paid ministers to have made such an exhibition of himself, and for such a long period. If a clerk or a tradesman was paid to do certain work and failed to do it they would be instantly dismissed. Jolm Hosking is not paid by his congregation to go touring around the country wrangling and snarling with all and sundry who disagree' with his warped opinion regarding the liquor trade. If he is paid by the Prohibition people to take up their cudgels let him do so, but lie must clearly understand that he cannot assume two roles. For over eight months John Hosking has devoted most of his time, which is paid for by his congregation, in slanging, both 1 in the Press and on the platform, those opposed to his views 011 the Prohibition question. Hastings is not a very large place ; but it is time for John Hosking to know that we are tired of his line, and I am now expressing the opinion of a good majority of his congregation. Such conduct would not be tolerated in any other town in the colony. If the Rev. Jolm wants to ape Isitt let him resign, and his place will be filled; but I for 011 c object to pay a minister to stump the country to air his fads about what a publican puts in his beer or whisky and what he does not. I cannot help noticing that during the time of John Hosking's residence here I fail to trace many instances where he has been engaged in assisting or fathering any good er charitable work, in relieving distress or administrating consolation in time of sickness. This is in marked contrast to one or more Hastings clergymen, who do not preach but practice good and charitable work. And I may further add that there is in this town a clergyman whose views are so broad and liberal, and whose practical benevolence is extended to every creed, who would carry more influence and weight on the liquor question by a twenty minutes' lecture than the whole eight months' time that John Hosking has wasted to the neglect of his parish. The empty seats in the theatre 011 the two nights must surely convince I)r Hosking that his action is not meeting with the approval of lhs supporters.—Yours, &c., Another Methodist.