TO THE EDITOR OF THE 'PRESS.'

Press, Volume III, Issue 285, 29 September 1863, Page 3

TO THE EDITOR OF THE 'PRESS.'

Sib, —I believe it is an acknowledged fact that the eye becomes so accustomed to the want of beauty in an object, that even the very semblance of common decency and respect, are at last unnoticed by those who view it every day. In no other way can I account for the shameful, and, I may say, disgraceful neglect on the part of the Government, its officers, and the Provincial Council in not requesting his Honor will have the goodness to recommend a sum not exceeding Five pounds to be placed on the estimates, for the special purposes of having the Prayers, which their Venerable Chaplain reads for them, printed in a plain and good type. A stranger to go in, and see the tattered pages, the writing on scraps of paper, the old worn out brown paper cover, the difficulty tho Chaplain has to find the Prayer he wants in its present form, must at once strike him that everything is not done decently and in order. I also would suggest the bell should be rung by the messenger or clerk, to give notice that prayers were going to be read, in order that the members of the Council should come from the adjoining rooms; for I think you will allow there is a great want of respect when you see only the officials and one solitary M.P.C. in the Council Chamber, during the time of Prayers. If the expense which I consider should be incurred for a " new printed form of the prayers" be too much, or thought unnecessary, I will be most happy to subscribe £1 towards a subscription to provide one. I have the honor to be,

Sir, &c., &c, A Visitor to the Council Chamber. Christchurch, September 23.