CHRISTCHURCH CATHEDRAL.

Press, Volume LV, Issue 10175, 24 October 1898, Page 2

CHRISTCHURCH CATHEDRAL.

TO THE EDITOR OF THE PRESS.

Sir,—As the Canterbury Synod is now sitting, and will discuss the now prominent subject, "finishing the Cathedral," I would like to make a few remarks. Undoubtedly it would be a good thing in many ways, were it completed, and that soon. I notice that the last "Church News" in "Current Topics' reminds us that it is a very religious act on our part, and that it should be a monumental expression to Almighty uod for blessings received by this province and peopleIt also tells us that the Bishop and Chapter are (rightly) the movers in this matter. The money, as usual, however, seems to be the only obstacle. I will now make a suggestion, which will overcome that difficulty. Only £12,000 is wanted. My suggestion is that the Bishop show his gratitude to God for the remunerative position and pleasant jplace he has been fortunate in being elected to. His stipend is £1400 a year and house free. Would it not be generous, and show great gratitude if he would give back £1000 a year from his episcopal income only, for twelve years, and the thing is done? Financiers can arrange for advances on "this stipend, and if there is any interest wanted for first advances, of course tho large amounts now promised would amply cover that. This would curtail the Bishop's income, from the episcopal source, to £400 a year and house rent for a few years, but he "would afterwards again get his £1400. No doubt it would be self-denial to live on this lessened amount, but most of his clergy get much less, and would only be too glad to have that small allowance for a certainty. Our Bishop is. to be very liberal in his views, and a great believer in levelling things. Let-mi see by this thankfulness and )ttnereaitjy6iat he ie earnestly genuine in his/levelling. lam sure he would not feel the pinch jnore than most who will/ be called upon to give, although levelling himself down to only £400 a year and house free, etc. The early Canterbury Association gave from the people the present site. The Provincial Council also gave £1000 as a nest egg, which was spent on the building, and the public of nil denominations subscribed liberally in the past. Surely these are sufficient advantages for any one sect to receive.—Yours, etc., CONSISTENCY.