CLERGYMAN'S STIPEND.

Akaroa Mail and Banks Peninsula Advertiser, Volume 2, Issue 118, 4 September 1877, Page 3

CLERGYMAN'S STIPEND.

to the editor of the akaroa mail. Sir, —In your issue of to-day " Churchman " Las drawn the attention of your readers to the fact that the Incumbent stipend is considerably in arrear. I thank " Churchman" for thus bringing the matter before the parishioners particularly, as the time fixed for our clergyman's departure is approaching, and it is evident that a strong effort must be made to collect the arrears and remove the odium that Avill otherwise attach to Akaroa. "Churchman" is rather hard on the vestry, but it should be remembered that a vestryman's duties are always "to assist " the churchwardens, and the unexpected resignation of those gentlemen has evidently stopped the progress of church matters. Ido not knoAv their reasons for so doing. They should be weighty, and they should have been laid before a meeting of the vestry, together Avith the church accounts, so that an incoming churchwarden might know Avhat he Avas called upon to undertake. The office could then probably have been filled Avithout delay. I look upon the duties of churchwarden as not to be lightly undertaken, but (for the sake of the interests involved) not to be resigned suddenly, even at risk of some or annoyance. I understand there will be a A-estry meeting on Tuesday, and I hope " Churchman," and all other parishioners, Avill join cordially in whatever scheme may be initiated for raising the necessary amount. In cA r ery parish there avi'll be differences of opinion ; but let us for the time'lay ours aside and cheerfully do (what is but) an act of justice.—Yours, &c , . PARISHIONER... August .31, 1877/