THE SOCIAL EVIL.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XXXVI, Issue 11239, 7 December 1899, Page 3

THE SOCIAL EVIL.

TO TIIE EDITOR. Sir,—l think that great credit is duo to Mr. Hannan for his courageous attempt to expose the vice prevalent in Auckland. Apparently Mayor Goldie is cherishing Borne private spito against Mr. Haunan. But are private matters and private feeling to Iμ introduced into the meetings of the City Council? I venture to assert that people generally are aware of the terriblo extent to which the social evil has grown in Auckland. Proofs aro abundant. As for the statements of the police, to the effect that the city was never so free from the social evil as it is to-day—well, either the members of the force are fearfully and wonderfully Hind, or wilfully untruthful. These nro, I know, very strong expressions to use, but I considor that they are perfoctly justified. It is no credit to Mityor Goldie that ho tries to hush the matter up. It is no credit to him that ho snubs a councillor who is trying to do his duty. I am perfectly impartial in this matter, as I know noithor Mr. Goldio nor Mr. Hannan, even by sight. Let Mayor Goltlio walk, any night in the week after eight o'clock, from the foot of Queon-street to the top of Groy-street, and return by way of Upper Queen-street. Then let him d.tre to assert that Auckland was never more- froo from tho social evil. Let him do his duty as tho Mayor, and let him keep his private spites to private occasions, and not ventilate them at City Council meetings. The Mayor should set an example to the councillors—an oxamplo of moderato speech and fairness, otherwise ho is abusing his position, and deserves no longer tho trust and confidence of the people. Let Mr. Hannan continue his good work. I am sure that there are hundreds of citizens who join with me in wishing him good luck and God speed in it.—l am, etc., Sigma.