THE "ALARMING" VICE OF GAMBLING.

New Zealand Times, Volume XXIX, Issue 4218, 26 September 1874, Page 7

THE "ALARMING" VICE OF GAMBLING.

The following amusing letter and note appear in the Walca Maori : Matatera, September 6, 1874. Sir, —Will you oblige me with a little space in the Waht Maori to endeavor to dissuade some of our Maori friends from the excessive practice of card playing. Having charge of a Native school, I am often pained to observe the sleepy listlessness of some of the pupils, and the absence of others who I think might attend. I am informed that they are in the habit of sitting up most of the night playing cards, and this in a stifling- atmosphere is sufficient to account for what I above refer to. And perhaps the worst feature of it is they play for money, or even for their clothing. Now, it is easy to perceive the evil effects of this practice, both on those who play and those who look on; and I would earnestly urge on the chiefs, parents, and elders, to do all m their power to discourage such practices. I am not unmindful of the disadvantages of our Maori friends, as compared with ourselves. But if they avail themselves of the advantages the Government are anxious to put in their way, and learn to read the English language, a new world, as it were, of entertainment would be opened up to them. They could sit by their fireside and read of wonders they never heard of before, and learn what is going on in all parts of the world. If they are anxious for larger political privileges, this is the way to obtain them. If they wish to enjoy all the advantages we ourselves enjoy—to preserve their race in health and vigour, and to stand side by side with one of the most enlightened and powerful nations of the earth, let them abandon all enervating habits and they may oon attain it. Trusting the above will not be too great an intrusion on your space. —I am &c, THOJtAS Lewis. [We do sincerely hope that the pupils atending the various Native schools throughout the country will not turn a deaf ear to the words of advice and warning contained m the above letter. They must feel that such words can only emanate from an affectionate desire for their welfare. Possibly they think a game of cards is a very innocent matter. But gambling, if they do not shake off the habit, is a vice which will grow with their growth and become, as it were, a part of their very nature. Gambling leaves no satisfaction behind it ; it in no way profits _ either body or mind. Among Europeans it is considered an offence which, by necessary consequence, tends to promote idleness, theft, and debauchery, among people of a lower class ; and among persons of a superior rank, it has frequently been attended with the sudden rum of ancient and honourable families, abandoned prostitution of every principle of honour and virtue, and too often has ended in suicide. A confirmed gambler is usually a fool, a thief, and a drunkard ; he is despised by respectable men, tempted by the devil, and forsaken by God. Mr. Lewis is acting the part of a kind parent in warning Ids scholars against this alarming vice.]