UNTIMELY FESTIVITY.

Marlborough Express, Volume III, Issue 136, 19 September 1868, Page 3

UNTIMELY FESTIVITY.

To the Editor of the Marlborough Express, Sir, —It is usual in most civilised countries to hold solemn fast days of prayer and humiliation during and after the passing away of any serious visitations from plague, pestilence, or famine* and much importance do many wise and good men attach to so ancient and touching an observance. A visitation, unusually calamitous, has lately passed over us, taking from our midst many of the best and most useful members of our small community ; and now with this great grief fresh upon us, and iu the first dawn of hope that the diphtheria is passing away, it is proposed to hold—not a fast day of prayer—but to celebrate the chastening we, as a people, have received—by a public Ball! I ! Sir, a more heartless proceeding I never heard of, or one more out of place ; and I only hope my fellowtownsmen will show their sense of this wanton outrage upon all that is decorous and respectable, by staying away. I have no desire to be severe or deal harshly with the promoters of this unseasonable affair, but will endeavour to pardon the insult they inflict on account of their inexperience and youthfulnesa, and the short time some of them have resided among us, it is at least satisfaction that for the most part they are comparative strangers ; and the remainder, although residing in our midst for years, have never been though t remarkable, either for influence or any useful attribute, but are simply popinjays, and just about as interesting. Yours, &c., A Father, Blenheim, September 18th, 18GS.