A BLOT ON BLENHEIM.

Marlborough Express, Volume XLIII, Issue 142, 14 June 1909, Page 4

A BLOT ON BLENHEIM.

TO THE EDITOR. Sir,_ln Blenheim we'have several churches, and every Sunday we sec people flocking to worship—or at least to church. There is accommodation for many more in most of these churches than those who attend, so those who stay away have not the excuse that the seats are all full. One of the great lessons supposed to be inculcated in church is that of charitableness towards one's fellow-creat-ures—not only in relieving their wants and administering to their necessities, but in doing unto them and saying of them as we should like them to do unto and say about ourselves. During my short term of residence in Blenheim I have been absolutely astounded and thoroughly shocked at the absolute rottenness of the minds of a great many of ihe people, for there is no other word that will indicate what I mean. "Love thy neighbour as thyself"! Sure, that would take all the joy out of life for the section of the public whom I have in mind. "Thou shalt not bear false witness against thy neighbour"! AH the fun would be gone from afternoon - tea chats and casual calls if the ladies were to tell of their acquaintances (and also of their friends) only what was true. Of course, it takes all sorts to make a world, and a certain proportion of these human noxious weeds is no doubt inevitable; but why should Blenheim be made a veritable dump-ing-ground for them? In their eyes, if a girl should happen to laugh heartily she is branded as "fast," while if she should be seen talking to a friend of the opposite sex her character (and his) fades into air, to be tossed to and fro at the next gathering of the teacups. On the other hand, should a young.man chat lightheartedly and laugh in company, the chances are that it will be said of him that he is talking "in his cups,'' and if by chance he should twist hiss foot and stumble while crossing a stony road,-he is drunk entirely ! It is not only the women who are to blame for the cruel lies which are circulated, because some of the men are just as bad, if not worse; for not only do they not discourage their chattering females, but they listen to their tattle and then retail it (plus their own little garnishments) in the hotels and the clubs. From my observation of the people in Blenheim who ought to know better, I have come to the conclusion that they either do not go to church or do-not derive much benefit therefrom if they do. DISGUSTED.