HARD TIMES IN NEWFOUNDLAND.
In a report of Rev. John Hewitt, a missionary of the Society for the Propagation of the Gospel, stationed at Burin, Newfoundland, we find the following in reference to that needy province:— “I regret to mention that quite a number of our people (as well as others) have left here during the last year or two for Canada and the United States. Business and fishery failures are the cause, and those who are gone were the ones who used to do most for the church and clergyman. The poorest remain, and for this reason—they have not the means to get away. The life of some of the fishermen and their families is very hard. At best, with many it is a struggle for existence, and instead of being able to give any pecuniary help either to the church or clergyman, they frequently apply to the clergy for relief. During the present winter we shall have, it is feared, much distress, owing in a great measure, either directly or indirectly, to the suspension of the Commercial and Union Banks, St. Johns. The merchants here (on whom many of the people were depending for the necessaries of life) have not themselves been able to obtain supplies. Some of the people who had Commercial Bank notes, which they had received for wages or fish, now find that those notes are practically valueless for purchasing purposes, being worth only twenty cents on the dollar. This is a great loss, and falls heavily on all who possess them, but especially on the poor fishermen. How they will get through the winter none can foretell. But, poor as they are, they bear their poverty, as a rule, very patiently. It can not cheer them much to speak about the happiness of heaven, and their freedom from want there, when they are hungering for daily bread here, and know not where to look for it. Our church funds are low, and the government is in monetary difficulties, so that the poor can not now be assisted from these sources except to a very limited extent. We are looking forward to brighter times, although the present are gloomy enough, and will hope and believe that ‘the Lord will provide.’”