THE NEW ORGAN.

Press, Volume LX, Issue 18217, 30 October 1924, Page 12

THE NEW ORGAN.

TO THE EDITOR OF "TTIB PRESS." Sir,—l notice in the report of the Synod that it is proposed to spend nine thousand pounds on a new organ for the Cathedral. Now, I ask, are they justified in the present state of our Church funds in taking such a step? I say decidedrr not. As a past officer of the Church and for over thirty years Bishop's Warden, I can speak with firsthand knowledge of the trouble there has always been to make ends meet, especially with the ministers'' stipend, and it is greater now on account of increased cost of living. If we want a church erected, and apply to the C.P.T., what is their reply? "Oh, yes; you provido so many hundred and give ti3 ample security, and we will advance you the balance on current rates of interest." But when Dr. Bradshaw comes along and asks for £9OOO for a new organ it appears to be given without demur. And I do not blame him for asking for it, but I do blame the ones that are responsible for -what in my opinion is a very grave error. It is very nice for the organist and his choir, who like to have things tip-top, but for what purpose? Am I not correct in saying that on an average the building is not more than half full, and then many leave before it is time to hand over their threepenny pieces? My argument is, this nine thousand pounds should go to help our underpaid clergy, for surely there are many of them in great need.—Yours, CHURCHMAN.