MEMORIAL TO ARCHBISHOP

Press, Volume LXXIV, Issue 22513, 22 September 1938, Page 10

MEMORIAL TO ARCHBISHOP

Cathedral Extensions

Suggested

PUBLIC MEETING HELD

YESTERDAY

Extensions to the ■ nave of the Cathedral as a suitable memorial to Archbishop Julius were suggested at a public meeting held in the City Council Chamber yesterday by Bishop West-Watson. The Mayor (Mr R. M. Macfarlane) presided and there was a representative attendance.

“A memorial on the lines I have suggested is not unnatural, and I think people of many creeds feel that an archbishop should be commemorated in the Cathedral which has, been the centre of, .his life’s work,” said Bishop West-Watson. .“The story of the Cathedral is a record of faith triumphant over difficulties, and when Archbishop Julius added transepts for the choir he performed extremely valuable work which, however, has since become inadequate. The extension of the nave is a large undertaking; but I think we should' make the Cathedral worthy of the city. Such work would show faith in our city and its destiny. Fine buildings are now rising with a sense of permanence, dignity, and size. Visitors to the city come to the Cathedral, and I am distressed that they should look up into the nave into darkness.”

The Mayor said that whatever form the memorial might take it should be deserving of the support of all the residents of Christchurch, because Archbishop Julius would be remembered not only for his church work, but for his work in the interests of the community as a whole. Sir R. Heaton Rhodes said; the suggestion made by Bisbop WestWatson appealed to him very strongly indeed. “I am sure I am one of thousands who want to see the suggested extensions made,” he said. “Let us visualise a complete cathedral that will be a memorial and one that would give joy to-the heart of the man who loved it so well.” Dr. Thacker’s Views

“I came to this meeting because I expected what has happened,” said Dr. H. T. J. Thacker, who opposed the suggestion. “We have heard a lot of historic talk; but Archbishop Julius was a live man and to saddle his memory with this sort of thing is not an honour to him. It would seem that the proposal was all prearranged, We cannot expect all denominations to assist in building our cathedral. If we erected a suitable statue it would be more in keeping with the purpose of the memorial. I shall certainly do my best to assist with the memorial; but I am entirely opposed to utility for a memorial.” The Mayor suggested that' a committee should be set up so that_ representatives of all denominations can discuss the matter fully.

, The Hon. J. K. Archer, M.L.C., isaid it would be a great mistake to make a hurried decision. A committee should be appointed to discuss the matter and then report to a further public meeting, he said. A motion along the lines suggested by Mr Archer was carried and the following committee was 'elected, with power to co-opt' additional members of various denominations: Bishop West-Watson, Sir R. Heaton Rhodes, M.L.C.. Dean Julius, Archdeacon A. K. Warren. Dr. H. T. J. Thacker, Dr. J. Hight, the Hon. J. K. Archer, M.L.C.. Messrs C. J. Ronaldson, E. H. S. Hamilton. A. S. Elworthy. George Gould. H. D. Andrews. T. J. Maling, J. Grigg, and A. A. McLachlan. '

The Mayor invited " alternative suggestions for the memorial to be written and sent to the committee.