OTHER PEOPLE’S IDEAS

Wairarapa Times-Age, 23 July 1942, Page 4

OTHER PEOPLE’S IDEAS

THANKSGIVING SERVICE (To the Editor.) Sir,—lt is to be hoped that our town fathers will arrange some form of thanksgiving service in connection with the recent earthquake disaster. In one half-minute, decay, faulty material, poor construction and workmanship were exposed on a colossal scale. In thirty seconds beauty of design, happy memories and old associations vanished and a grievous loss of goods was sustained—But we were unharmed. When news struggled out to the world, two • words, “no casualties" cheered our lads overseas and brought immediate relief to thousands of anxious friends throughout the Dominion and elsewhere, and when closer examination became possible proved .almost miraculously true, using this word with due reverence. Geologists tell us that such visitations are not unlikely in the future, but we now know that buildings and chimneys can be constructed which will make our homes and work places reasonably safe and our streets without serious menace. It is for us to see that our civic authorities are given power to compel observance of the limits imposed by the fear of earthquakes and that in the many serious financial problems involved in reconstruction, patience and charity should be exercised. There seems a tendency to criticism of actions taken immediately following the shake, but the marvellous cheerfulness and good temper of those afflicted, the excellent organisation, and the tendency to let the other fellow get his needs tended first have proved a tonic that demonstrates that we can keep our chins up, even in a convulsion of nature so greatly exceeding “the poor device of man."—l am. etc CITIZEN. Masterton, July 22.

A NEW ST. MATTHEW'S

(To the Editor.) Sir,—As one of your readers rather interested in the history of all our* local places of worship—St. Matthew’s in particular —might I be granted a little space in which to bring before parochial notice in its widest sense a suggestion regarding the new St. Matthew’s Church which is to be the subject of parishioner discussion at tonight’s meeting. Inability to attend that meeting is perhaps no valid reason why the suggestion of a mere layman might not be at least discussed, and that is that if its plans are still available, why not make tjie new St. Matthew’s a full historic : replica,., of St. Paul’s pro-Cathedral, MulgraVe Street. Wellington, most certainly one of the most striking, comfortable as well as historic buildings of its ecclesiastic kind to be found in any part of the Wellington Diocesan area and still attracting worshippers as in days when first built in 1866. The design for St. Paul’s came from London, its architect being' the elder of the Pugin family much famed in ecclesiastical architecture in those days. Save for one or two minor details to meet economic necessity in meeting the cost of construction, this handsome Gothic structure still defies the ravages of storm and tempest and remains faithful to its sponsors who have long gone to rest. Accommodating -750 worshippers, exclusive of its fine organ loft and choir of fifty voices, with its three-bell tower and everything in keeping the pro-Cathedral still makes continued appeal. The olck St. Paul's, its even more historic predecessor, despite many vain attempts to have it removed or destroyed, still stands in Bolton Street Cemetery, not far away from its original site, a further testimony to the longevity as well as larger safety of a well-built sacred edifice, like both St. Paul's built entirely of wood.—l am. etc., N.J.B. Masterton, July 23.

THE BOROUGH COUNCIL

(To the Editor.) Sir, —I read with interest your account of the Borough Council discussion of its efforts in the earthquake. I am reminded of a song by Gilbert: “When Wellington beat Bonaparte As every boy can tell, The House of Lords throughout the war, Did nothing in particular, And did it very well,” Yours, etc., P. BAH. Masterton, July 23.