SOCIAL WRECKAGE.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XXXIV, Issue 10408, 5 April 1897, Page 3

SOCIAL WRECKAGE.

TO THE EDITOR. Various causes which need not be here enumerated contribute to cause a good deal of social wreckage in our midst. Derelict vessels, large or small, would be attended to. The salvage in the one case, the danger to navigation in the other, would cause their removal from the track of navigation. Have human derelicts no value? Christianity teaches that they have : properly understood and practised, it would lessen the number. Its rules for personal and national navigation over the sea of life would undoubtedly have that effect. But the facts are, that here they are in our midst. What is society going to do with them ? To-day, in out of our leading thoroughfares might be seen a man in utter destitution, indicated by his appearance, torn garments, shoeless feet, etc. Old men, several of them, know not where to get a meal or a place to sleep. That old men over 70 years ot age have to sleep outside, especially at this time year, is most discreditable to us as a professedly Christian community. Benevolent individuals are giving their mite, but the demands are too numerous to be provided for in this way. Those who visit, such as the Sisters of our various churches and missions, could tell of cases of dire distress. The newspapers have given indications, such as " Deadbeats at the Post Office," in Victoria-street, etc., of the distress some are in. The other day an old man with indications of respectability was reciting his tale of disappointment, no work, too. old. Said he "Am I to die in the street or commit a crime to get into gaol?" There is something seriously wrong when a man looks to a gaol a3 a haven of refuge. The late Rev. W. Tebbs urged the need of a night shelter. Since then, if I remember rightly, the Salvation Army started one and discontinued it, partly because it was an attraction far and wide. Whether the Costley Home is full or the charity used up, the Ladies Benevolent Society, and other agencies lacking funds, or whatever the reason may be, there appears to be an urgent need that some steps should be taken to deal with cases oi deserving help. W hat to do with other cases is the despair of reformers. There appears to be a disposition to expend money in illuminations in honour of Her Majesty's record reign; a worthy object, but would not the time and money be better spent in illuminating the minds of those on the verge of despair.— am, etc., Uncle Jobs. March 31, 1897.