RUSSELL'S HISTORIC CHURCH.

Auckland Star, Volume LIII, Issue 86, 11 April 1922, Page 8

RUSSELL'S HISTORIC CHURCH.

I ito the Editor.) j riir,— Recent Temarks regarding ihe state of the famous historic old church !at Russell are unfortunately only too true, but it is not fair to impute all the blame to the residents, who have raised locally several hundred pounds for the purpose of renovating and preserving it. About, two years a_so this money wa_ handed over to the Anglican authorities in Auckland on the distiuot understanding that they would obtain the —200 (iovernment subsidy which haxi been placed on the estimates for that purpose, and would have ihe work put in hand immediately. This has not been done, and the residents of Russell who helped to raise the fund are feeling very sore, on ihe matter, ft" the authorities feel they have not sufficient money for the purpose a subscription list should be opened, when I am sure the result would surprise ihem. for the church in question is the oldest in N-ew Zealand, and with its historic associations should certainly he regarded as a national memorial of the earliest days of civilisation m this country. I'ermit mc to add in conclusion thai when the call for men camp Russell took place in the front rank, and its record in proportiou to population was only beaten by one district throughout the whole country, and its record for patriotic funds raised and comforts sent to the lads in the trenches was not excelled by any. if indeed equalled. I would not mention this were it not that we so often -find Russell spoken of as unprogressive. and it is only fair that the public should know both sides.- -I am, etc.. T. K. OI.OW.