CRUEL SPORT. TO THE EDITOR.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 8596, 11 September 1889, Page 4

CRUEL SPORT. TO THE EDITOR.

Sib, —Taking a stroll along the jetty yesterday afternoon, near the ship Nelson, t saw a number of boys spearing some pretty fish which had come op the harbour in shoals. The fish, I understand, ere no good except for bait, but the cruel boys, immediately they were landed, kicked them about from one to the other alive, then took penknives, screwed out'their eyes, and threw them back into the water to watch their agonies. I remonstrated with them on their conduct but only got abuse in return. My object in writing is to ask whether such barbarity comes within the province of the society for the prevention of cruelty, and if so, whether an example could not be made of some of these larrikins, by giviDg them a few strokes of the birch—fclie only punishment they can understand. The effect, moreover, upon the lads themselves must be very debasing, and I am sorry to say some appeared to be what would be called "respectable" by their dress. It would be as well if parents and schoolmasters would impress upon the young tha duty of humanity towards the inftrior ci eat ion, and the iniquity of such practices.—l am, &c, September 10. Thomas Coull,