SHOPKEEPERS.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XXIII, Issue 7824, 18 December 1886, Page 3

SHOPKEEPERS.

TO THE EDITOR. Sir,-—"Another Shopkeeper " complains of the habit of the churches in having bazaars in the Christmas season, and does not seem to recognise the fact that churches are businesses, and clergy shopkeepers, w he and I are : and that in having bazaars in the Christmas seaaon they are simply imitating shopkeepers who, knowing the public, are liberal-hearted then, give their windows an extra dress up. So we must not grudge churches making a little haul now, aa well M we. Churches and shops are both commercial. Take away shop from churches and there is not much left. It w felt in churches as,in other businesses that a good stand and a handsome establishment lead to a good business, and the clergy, far superior to other shopkeepers In persuasive power, persuade their customers to build their places of business. lam sorry to eay one of these was burnt down the other morning ; sorry, because the poor Catholic will have to build it up again. Must clo it. Sell the pig that pays the rent to do it, for it must be done. The old signboard of these places of business used to read—" Ho, every one that thirsteth, and he that; hath no money come, buy wine and milk without money and without price." It hat) not been taken down, nor painted, oat, but it is quite illegible, and the rule of the buaimes now in —cash! Solomon said there were foup things which "say not, it is enough." Had he written now, he would have said five, and added "church" to his category, or he might have included shopkeepers,and mad* it six. Yes, we are all of one kin, and "Another Shopkeeper" and I ought to be. proud to shake hands with that branch e£ commerce, the Church. " A fellow-feoUng rrfake us wondrous kind."—l am, &c, 17th December. Shopk.bkpsiu .„