THE CATHEDRAL SCHEME

Dominion, Volume 10, Issue 3142, 21 July 1917, Page 8

THE CATHEDRAL SCHEME

Sir,—Tho. letter of Mr. 1. V. Waters in this morning's Dominion covers a great deal of ground; so much, indeed, that I have not the time to criticise it as I wish, nor have you the space to spare. I should like, however, with your kind permission to express my strong dissent from his views, and especially to object to the "tone" of the letter—a tone which stands in unfavourable contrast to that of "One of St. Pauls letter, and to your appreciative and dignified leader of July 14. ~..■,. Mr. "Waters derides the sketch of the proposed cathedral issued with The Dominion of the above date. Other people, less critical, treasure that simple sketch as tho best at present obtainable, and tho demand for a copy was evidenced by the rush on the news stalls for a, paper of that morning's issue. Mr. Waters writes favourably of a design by Mr. Clere. Mr. Clere is the designer of several beautiful edifices (ecclesiastic and otherwise). But I imagine any gentleman (and Mr. Clere ■Iβ one) must feel somewhat uncomfortable at having his work classified so frankly by a novice. Besides, if Mr. Clere had l>een appointed chief architect, the popular voice, I opine, would have called for the highest intellect and the most skilful craftsmanship that could be obtained.

"Thank-offering for what?" is scarcely a phrase for a good churchman to utter. Has Mr. Waters nothing to be thankful for? ■

When Mr. Waters writes of empty pews, for tho present I regretfully agree with him, but when he states that the cathedral project is "in the air" and hopes it may remain there, and when he measures his comprehension by his inab.ility to take in ; tho idea of for a cathedral, he had better leave the decision to minds larger, more serious, more progressive than his own. The taunt that Wellington desires to emulate and surpass Christchurch in tho sphere of ecclesiastical building may pass without comment, and ns for the plaint that ho is "over-subscribed." why, the remedy is in Mr. Waters's own hands.

. Mr. Waters closes with the excellent suggestion that half :i dozen rich men should put their hands in their pockets for tho amount, and so have their mimes handed down to grateful posterity. The munificence of donors will, 'of course, be recorded. But has Mr. Waters lost no friend at tho war front whose name he would like to see enshrined in the precints of the military chapel? Has ho no special thanks to offer, no silent prayer to meditate as ho thinks of the great upheaval which bids fair to modify the government of tho world,'or of the valour and SDlf-sacrifico of our sons?

"Lot there bo no begging," he says. But there will hi giving. I happen to know of some generous groups who will give their mite (or more) and intend giving, not once, but every year (God willing) until the last finished ornament adorns the last finished pinnacle of the "Templo of the Lord."—l am, etc., INTERESTED. July 19, 1917: '