CATHEDRAL THEFT

Evening Post, Volume CIX, Issue 88, 14 April 1930, Page 12

CATHEDRAL THEFT

PRISONERS' RESOLUTION

(By Telegraph.—Press Association.) AUCKLAND, This Day. A strange resolution was passed at the Church, of England prison service at Mount Eden Gaol yesterday. The Rev. Jasper Calder, speaking to the prisoners, said that he was saddened to think that any man should sink so low as to steal the silver chalices, or communion- cups, from the Dunedin Cathedral, especially in Holy Week when the cup of remembrance was first instituted. "And now, boys," said the city missioner, "between us we might get those vessels back. Suppose we send a resolution of protest to the Dunedin papers showing that 350 prisoners thought this theft was not cricket. Considering what the Church has done, and is doing, it is rather like biting the hand that feeds you." There was a nodding of heads and a murmur of approval. "All- right," said Mr. Calder, "here's the resolution: 'That this congregation heartily protests against the theft of the sacred vessels from the House of' God, and urges the thief to restore the chalices immediately.'" This was moved by a long-sentenced man in the prison choir, and when a seconder was asked for, it was forthcoming in a dozen places, nnd on calling for a show of haiul.s, the men put' up their hands like schoolboys voting for n holiday, as the missioner put it. The. Rev." Cr. Moreton, Anglican prison chaplain, attached a great sentimental value to these tups, oiio of which had been used for 40 years.