THE CHURCH IN THE TAVERN.

Wellington Independent, Volume XXVI, Issue 3157, 25 March 1871, Page 2

THE CHURCH IN THE TAVERN.

TO THE EDITOB OF THE INDEPENDENT. Sib, — Facts are stubborn things, in spite of your correspondents " Q." and " Anticant," who aro vainly endeavoring to reply to " Consistency's" letter on " the Church in the Tavern j" it is a subject they had better avoid, and in future hold their meetings in some other plnce, or not inform any " Own Correspondent" who is eager for any item of news. Drunkenness is rampant here, and scenes disgraceful to civilisation are of every day occurrence. On Sunday evening, the 12th instant, as people were going to evening service, a fight was going on botweon two drunken roughs, and a torrent of oaths used, shocking the eyee and ears of those ptissing. A little later a fire took place — a comfortable well-furnished house, and the many curiosities, prosents, &c, gathered in other lands in a long course of years, were stolen or dostroyed — for it is clearly proved that the fire was caused by a thief, probably O no who had rushed into orimo to obtain the means to have anothor debauch. Surely now, Mr Editor, some protection will be given this small place after such a deed. During the past week matters are much the same, the loafer geuus hanging about the public houses ; and on Friday last, in honor, I presume, of the arrival of Bishop Hadfield, oue was prostrate alongside the coach. In truth, "the scones which occur in Martou when men are flush of money, reoeived for harvesting or other work, are a disgrace to a civilised community." — I am, &o, SrERO Melioea. MartoD, 21st March.