OUR PROPER PART.

Lyttelton Times, Volume CXVII, Issue 17192, 12 June 1916, Page 8

OUR PROPER PART.

TO THE EMTOII.

Sir,—The writers of two letters in your issue of June 9 6eem alarmed at the crif.is we are passing through and the craze'for horse racing, aud they might have added other evils. 1 have lately been wondering whether we have much that is worth saving or if we really care or realise our position. What right have some of us to be giving our sons and a'little help in money when we see hundreds going to the races to look at and gamble on a horse, all being made legal and respectable by a Government permit? What does the war concern them or our very existonce, which' is trembling in the balance? By their actions, I should saj mighty little. The cry is. "On with the race, the drink, the dance and tin picture show; old England is all right." I have always held a bright view of the war, but I say if we are going to win we will have to get rid of our hindrances. This war has got to such a stage now that, to my mind, it is now or never, to bo or not. to be, and to choose between our pleasures and our privileges. We want' an honest. God fearing man, who will come out as a lender among tho people to lead them back to the ways of truth and righteousness and to fit us so that, we may lie enabled, by God's help, to will the war; or, if not. we seem doomed. One. disaster comes after another, and one asks if we have not enemies of our own making, who aro more deadlv than the Germans. While the people are being amused and given to sport they will not be serious, and the business we have on hanc] requires all the* serious thought and attention we can give it. Tf the editor is agreeable, and tbero are otVrs who feel as I do, and nra doing their bit, mnv they come forward with voice and pen for all tho things that are near and dear to us, and Binv Gnd save our King and conntry. Thanking you in anticipation,—l am, etc., PATRIOTIC Christchurch, June 10.