ENGLISH CEMETERY ROAD.

Akaroa Mail and Banks Peninsula Advertiser, Volume 2, Issue 163, 8 February 1878, Page 2

ENGLISH CEMETERY ROAD.

To the Editor, of the Akaroa Mail. Sir, —I don't know if the Churchwardens of St. Peter's, Akaroa. intend answering the questipn contained in your sub-leader of Ist February. I certainly think if I were in , their place, I should not. Their action in the matter, whatever it was, no doubt endorsed by the Vestry, wlio, as the representative of the public for the time being, are alone to blame. lam speaking of an amount that was borrowed from the Cemetery fund some time ago. . I Uelieve that there has recently been taken an additional sum, but as far as I understand, not for the purpose you suggest, viz., "the oxtravagnt a expenses connected with the enlargement of St.. Peter's Church. &c.," but simply to provide the seating accommodation necessary for the congregation attending the services in the said church. I I am sure, Sir, if you had been there last Sunday evening, you would have quite concurred in their action, for there were barely seats enough for the congregation attending ; and I certainly think, that so far from the churchwardens being to blame, it is entirely the parishioners that should be eluded, for, excuse me for taking a very low view of the matter, I think that if every person in the church had given two shillings, the amount you complain of as having been borrowed, might have been paid off. But be that as it may, I think, that although the parish, as I am informed, has made unwonted efforts, and accomplished great ends as regards church t work in the district, it is almost time we went further, and endeavoured to secure the services of a clergyman locally, and not have the greater part of his time spent riding about a large and scattered district, without, I am afraid, a commensurate advantage.

Hoping some more able pen will take up the subject, I remain, yours, &c, PARISHIONER.