MR SIEVWRIGHT’S LECTURE.

Lyttelton Times, Volume XCVI, Issue 11050, 31 August 1896, Page 3

MR SIEVWRIGHT’S LECTURE.

TO THE EDITOR

Sir,— “ Oamaru Citizen’s ” letter in your columns of Saturday calls, I think, for some comment. Your correspondent wishes to clear the Rev F. W. Isitt from something which Mr Siovwright took exception to as being untrue. I know nothing of the matter in question, and, lacking evidence of a judicial character, would just as soon believe Mr Sievwright as Mr F. W. Isitt. On one subject, however, I am quite clear, and I fancy most of your readers will lie with me upon it. When a citizen of another place endeavours to besmirch the character of a fellowcitizen and -mentions him .by name, he should, at least he manly enough to sign his own, so that residents of the same city might at least bo able to judge between accuser and accused. Unfortunately tactics of this kind are most common, and the shootiug-behind-a-bush policy can never commend itself to fair-minded men and women, and must largely discount anything written.—l am, Ac.,

CHRISTCHURCH CITIZEN,

TO THE EDITOR.. Sir, —lb is refreshing to know that “J. 8.” has been a consistent member of fho Church of England for nearly seventy' years; but it is to be regretted that an experience extending far over the average life-time should produce such poor results. We all know that the brain power of the average adult is apt to decline in old age, and it is just possible that your correspondent is in error in pitting his intelligence against that of men who are probably as good to-day as he was thirty-five years ago. In any case, it is fair to assume that the Chairman knew his business as well as “J. 8.” Possibly the prohibition gentlemen who broke the chairs in their excitement will refund the cost of repairs, which, I believe, amounts to eighteen shillings. “8.J.” was perfectly correct in calling attention to the disturbance caused by the prohibitionists. It would be more manly if prohibition adults were to make the required noises themselves, instead of bringing boys to do it for them. The intelligent observer will trace much of our growing larrikinism to this and similar causes.—l am, Ac,, FREE HAND.