HISTORIC CHURCHES.

Ashburton Guardian, Volume 48, Issue 78, 12 January 1928, Page 4

HISTORIC CHURCHES.

PRESERVATION ADVOCATED.. (Per Press Association.). ... WANGANUI, This Day. A definite attempt is being made to> • preserve the remaining examples of the ■-■ first churches erected in the Auckland district by the Anglican community, several of which have a definite association with the work of Bishop Sel~ wyn. The ruins of one ancient stoneedifice has from time to time been given as an example of the necessity for action being taken to preserve the existing buildings. A problem has . faced the various church bodies concerned in the fact that the buildings have outlived their usefulness as far as capacity is concerned. Nevertheless, after years of working, sentiment has - won, and steps are being taken in . various directions to preserve and, if necessary, remove to some suitable spot, the edifices referred to. From time to time, says the Wanganui "Herald," an effort has been made to gather interest in the chapel which stands above the main roadway overlooking Putiki Mission and Cemetery. Just as the road turns toward the • city from Marybank," on the right-hand .'. side, there is to be seen an opening - in the hillside. Most people probably take this to be a cavef It is none - other than a chapel carved .out of the hillside by the late Rev. Richard Taylor during the course of his ministry at Putiki. The formation is l still distinct, and when some ecclesiastical visitors to Wanganui a few years ago were - taken to it, they said "it seemed none other than holy ground." This spot served asJ a look-out also. To-day cattle and sheep shelter in it. The suggestion is made that someone should '. take steps toward preserving what i 3 - - possibly Wanganui's first church.