TO FREETHINKERS.

Freethought Review, Volume II, Issue 21, 1 June 1885, Page 8

TO FREETHINKERS.

The successful carrying on of a Freethought paper, in a small colony like New Zealand, is a matter of considerable difficulty. Were it not for the perseverance of the publisher, the Review, although it has been fairly well supported, would have fallen through, and latterly various means have been suggested by friends of the cause by which the paper may be made at least self-supporting. The Freethought Review ought not to be allowed to lapse, but those who favour the cause must give us the assistance required to maintain it properly. One friend has suggested that the various societies in the colony, the greater number of which owe their existence, we believe, to the Review, should donate small sums from time to time, as they may be able to afford, for the publication of the Review. This idea is, we think, with all due submission to our readers and friends, a very fair one. It is obviously unfair that those to whom the production of the paper is undertaken as a labour of love should have to bear the whole burden. Profit is not looked for. So long as the paper supports itself we are satisfied. There are other means by which our friends can help us, those who can afford it and those who are not members of any local association could, by small donations (which would all be acknowledged through the paper) help us to spread the Review where at present it is not known. Subscribers can try to induce others to take the paper, and societies can do much to help us. We are always pleased to receive their reports, and in return they should assist us by pushing the journal. Advertising is said to be the secret of success, yet we do not get anything like a fair show in this way. Christian papers are exceptionally well supported by advertisements, and surely Secularists can do the same for a paper specially devoted to them. In concluding this short appeal we do so with the assurance that in the future, as in the past, no efforts shall be spared by us in making the Freethought Review readable and well worthy of the support of all Freethinkers in the colony.