THE DEANERY OF CHRISTCHURCH.

Press, Volume LVIII, Issue 11102, 22 October 1901, Page 6

THE DEANERY OF CHRISTCHURCH.

TO THE JEDIXOB Of THE PBESS. Sir, —Now the Synod ie meeting it is to be hoped something will be settled about the appointment of Dean. There can be httie difference of opinion as to who should hoid that position. lbs a pity that the i'ress, wbicn is reputed 10 educate one on public matters, ha* for tome reason omitted w> obtain information on this subject, in which considerable interest is taken, and given it to tie public, together with a. true and full account of the exact position o f affaars in connection with the Cathedral. One has novr to obtain information on hearsay. lac Cathedral appears to be liberally endowed, ■ the income irom the Bishopric estate being more than sutncieac to meet it« liabilities. Ihe Fame shou.d apply to the Dean andChapter estate, : wnica is ' worth" about £50,000, but £10,000 has been borrowed on the security of this estate. It. would be interesting to know at what rate? Since the Dean became • incapacitated and until his death three iarge-mmded peopie have made ■an annual donation of £60 apiece conditionally on the appointment of sub-dean being made. I do not "say liberal because to my mind there ie nothing liheraJ in returning for His service a small portion of the riches uod has bestowed upon us. The inference t<) be drawn from this is that they naturally supposed upon the death of the Dean the sub would receive the appointment and salary attaching, a*il that their donations would be no longer, reqivired. Instead of which the £150 is now paid out of the sur-, plus from the bishopric estate. The statements 1 have made are. I believe, facts, but of course being hearsay I cannot vouch for them. If they are not correct I shall be giad to see them contradicted, but my object in writing is in the hope that it may lead to.ths'present tin3atisfa«tory state of atfajra being terminated. k We have a cathedral with large endowments, and one has a right to expect to see it properly furnished. I can at ail events.state one fact, and that is that money towards the main- I tenance of the cathedral. services is being withheld until the appointment of Dean is made.—Yours, etc., CHURCHMAN. * October 21sfc. .