“ SINECURE’S ” CONTRIBUTION.

Ashburton Guardian, Volume 2, Issue 327, 25 April 1881, Page 2

“ SINECURE’S ” CONTRIBUTION.

To the Editor. Sir,— On reading Saturday’s issue of your paper, I find “ Sinecure ” has been put to the ruinous loss of half-a-crown, through lacking the moral courage to explain to the reverend gentleman who was collecting moneys for the erection of a new church, that he was not a member of that church, but had simply gone to a place of worship to ridicule sacred things, which, 1 have no doubt, his ignorance and stupidity, combined with bigotry, prevent him from knowing anything of. The rev. collector, contrary to the custom of most divines, had headed the subscription with LSO from his private purse, and no doubt considered he was asking the aid of his own people to accomplish a good work ; and evidently forgetting that bigotry, ignorance, and little mindedness still exists, although we live in the enlightened nineteenth century. But if “Sinecure” has had the bad luck to pay the half crown promised (which is doubtful), I as a Roman Catholic, who has contributed to other churches in the town, and will be pleased to do anything, at any time, towards a good work, regardless of sect, will return the sum. In imagination, I can see “ Sinecure ” wondering, openmouthed, at the handsome collection made by the few Catholics of the district ; and I have no doubt, if he were possessed of such a sum, he would beat a retreat, and your worthy paper—which I have always found to be a warm supporter of good works - would be troubled by no more of “Sinecure’s” jottings. I consider, Mr Editor, that “ S:necure’s ” comments upon a gentleman who is a stranger in our midst is cowardly ; for in the short time he has been amongst us, he has shown himself the right man in the right place, by the great energy he has displayed in establishment of a new church, and who is already held in great esteem by many of our fellow townsmen ; and with regard to “ Sinecure’s ” threat of not going to that church again, I have no doubt that his absence will be better appreciated than his presence. Apologising for taking up so much of your space,—l am, &c. , A Roman Catholic. April 25, 1881. [Our contributor “ Sinecure ” will, no doubt, explain his seemingly vague paragraph in reference to the method adopted to collect church subscriptions. We feel assured that in no matter are the Roman Catholics more liberal than in their voluntary aid to spiritual affairs, which exceeds by far that of many other denominations, especially in Ashburton. —Ed. G.]