THE ROAD TO RUIN.

New Zealand Graphic, Volume V, Issue 47, 22 November 1890, Page 9

THE ROAD TO RUIN.

A BLACK felt hat and several articles of clothing were discovered on a Sunday afternoon on the banks of the Thamesnear Isleworth, together with the following letter written in pencil in a good bold hand:—‘Good-bye to friends and enemies. I have come to the end of my journey at last, and life has no further charm for me. Before I go let me give one word of warning, especially to young men. Avoid betting and the racecourse as you would avoid poison. Four years ago I was a rich man, possessed of something, like £20.000 from one source alone. My fortune reverted to me suddenly, and I lost my head over so much gold, and immediately launched into a fast life. The company of bad women—how horribly bad some of them are—and low and illiterate men, was my delight almost as soon as I set foot in London, coming straight from the peaceful village of L’pwey, in Dorsetshire, where I had resided for years amid good surroundings. My gay companions quickly introduced me to the gaming table and the turf. Intoxicated with pleasure, I did not consider for one moment whither they were leading me. There are thousands of low, cunning black guards frequenting the racecourse, who live on the stupidity of men like myself. They live to lie and cheat ami blaspheme, utterly regardless of a hereafter. I have lunched with princes, dukes and lords, and have assisted toswell their ill gotten gains. The racecourse is a veritable hell upon earth, and betting is England’s curse, and will ruin her in the eml. I ant about to do as scores of others in their desperation have done before me. Poverty and starvation have taken the place of affluence ami comfort. My friends have forsaken me, and lite is no longer worth living. Please communicate with John Dawson, of 247 Durden - street, Bristol. He knows all. When lam picked up, perhaps Dick Dunn and his pals will subscribe towards the burial of poor Jack Scrivener. Farewell.’