11

H.—s

which he had dealt with this matter. They could not, however, discuss it fully ; they were only a, part of the community, and he therefore moved, "That Mr. Monro be thanked for his conduct in ascertaining the terrible state of immorality now disclosed by his statement; and that the convener of the Eeligion and Morals Committee be requested to convene a meeting of ministers of other denominations and others interested in this question to consider what steps it may be desirable to take to remedy this evil." The Eev. A. McCallum seconded the motion. He thought they should keep in view the statement made by Mr. Monro regarding dance entertainments, late hours, and the excitement of the passions through the drinking of champagne and other heated liquors. It was thirty years since his elders had complained of young men being turned out in the streets in the small hours of the morning, having no places to go to except places of evil. Another thing was the influence upon young women employed in hotels selling liquors as barmaids. He had received evidence from Melbourne showing that a terribly large percentage of women employed in this manner fell into the ways of ruin and shame. As to solicitation in the streets, which had been spoken of, why should colonial cities be exceptional from other parts of the civilised world ? Such a thing was prohibited in Paris, San Francisco, Naples, and over the Continent generally; and why should it be allowed by the police here? He thought they should urge upon the attention of the authorities the necessity for passing stringent regulations to prohibit known prostitutes from appearing upon the streets and soliciting. As to the necessity for the CD. Act, they had their own opinions. The motion was unanimously agreed to.

The Commissioner of Police to the Bishop of Auckland. Police Department, Commissioner's Office, My Loed Bishop,— Wellington, 26th November, 1889. I am instructed by the Hon. the Defence Minister to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of the Bth instant, enclosing an extract from the New Zealand Herald containing a statement made by the Bey. G. B. Monro at a meeting of the Auckland Presbytery, and, in reply, to inform your Lordship the subject referred to will be carefully considered before next session. I have, &c, James G. Fox, The Eight Eev. the Bishop of Auckland. (For Commissioner.)

Approximate Cost of Paper— Preparation (not given); printing (UiOO copies), £7 2s.

By Authority: Geobge Didsboby, Government Printer, Wellington.—lB9l. Price, 6d.]