THE TABLET AND THE BACK-BLOCKS.

New Zealand Tablet, 12 October 1916, Page 47

THE TABLET AND THE BACK-BLOCKS.

To the Editor. Sir, —Please find yearly subscription enclosed. No doubt the Tablet . fully deserves the popularity it has gained, and should be found in every Catholic home in New Zealand. If one ray of light can be seen from the effects of the terrible war that has been raging for the past two years, it is the fact that it has caused many thousands to forget self, and to think of the sufferings of others. Hearts and purses have been freely opened, and we have come to realise that we were not placed upon this earth to live for ourselves alone. Even in this country many of us enjoy advantages and blessings that others, from one cause pr another, are denied. Readers of the Tablet must admit that in its columns they peruse many things that quicken their faith, and must cause them to offer up many a silent, fervent prayer. If we who live near to churches, are constantly present at the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass, and are weekly listening to sermons, are in need of spiritual assistance, let us picture to ourselves the condition of many Catholic families residing in the back-blocks of the North Island, where settlement advances even ahead of reading. Seldom do they see a priest, or have a chance of going to Mass and performing their duties. Having lived for nigh on twenty years an isolated life, it is easy for me to realise their condition from a religious point of view. Although the paper has been well canvassed, no canvasser ever reaches some of these lonely spots. Would it not be a great act of charity to see that some of them were supplied weekly with the Tablet. This with very little sacrifice on the part of some of your readers could be accomplished, and I sincerely hope that some will look at this deserving object from my point of view. With pleasure I will forward to the editor £1 a year for five years (if spared) for this purpose. The distribution could easily be arranged. Priests who officiate in the back-blocks could be communicated with, and no doubt would gladly forward the addresses of deserving, cases. After receiving the paper free for a period of from one to two years, many, no doubt, would become voluntary subscribers. Other names could then be obtained ; by this means untold good could be effected, and the desired increased circulation of the Tablet be obtained. Some may consider that* these isolated settlers should procure a copy themselves. • How many Catholics who have been exhorted from the pulpit, and also visited by a canvasser, have so far not done so ? Trusting that some of your readers will think that my suggestion is a worthy one, and will be willing to act with me in the matter,— l am etc,,** Constant Reader. Blenheim, September 21. . 4 . [We have dealt with this offer and suggestion in another column. — Ed, N.Z.T ,]