Sib, — This is not the first time that a far abler pen than mine has written about Ibis subject in your paper, and that with a favor* able result. I trust, with their aid, to see it again brought to a successful issue. It may be urged that it is now too late to take up such a subject ; bnt " better late than never," und so say the emyloyes of our business places, who are laboring from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. (and some to 7 and even 8 p.m.) Wby are they forced to work so long daily ? Is it business that compes it? Or is it money* grabbing ? Probably the latter is the great cause! But, perhaps, business is extra brisk just now ! |f so, our business men are in a better position to grant a halt-holiday or qlose at 5 p.m. daily (Saturdays excluded.) This is done in various parts of Canterbury yearly, Why do our leading business men object ? I know that all except two or three ure agreeable to do either of the above, and would be most happy to see our youths have half-a-dav's recreation. But it alwuy» hap pena tturt tiro or three ot tboao •Jowisli'dis* positioned men are able to check any move in this direction — a more beneficial to many and injurious to none. They believe in plenty of work and Hi tie money— a noble maxim without doubt, and fully believed in by them, as results and actions prove. They might lose a few stray shilling?, and they will not benefit any Qf their fellow - creatures when ihey can. Fine citizens and splendid believers in No. 11 is it not common cour tesy to the people of the Lawrence district to believe that they will not be sq thuu.gb,t|eaa as to let their shopping, &c. X be left ta that particular aFternoon. qr tune, and that they will show their symjiftthj with the object, and

THE REV. MR BERRY'S LECTURE.
