CANTERBURY COLLEGE.

Press, Volume LII, Issue 15657, 1 August 1916, Page 8

CANTERBURY COLLEGE.

BOARD OF GOVERNORS. RESIGNATION OF BISHOP BRODIE. At yesterday's meeting of the Board of Governors of Canterbury College the following letter was read from Bishop Brodie: — "I regret that a difficulty has presented itself which will prevent me from having the pleasure of being associated with the members of your Board. I enclose a copy of my letter to tbc Minister of Education; in this letter you will see the reason which forces me to adopt this course. Needless to say, it is with the greatest reluctance 1 forego the honour of membership." Bishop Brodie'e letter to the Minister of Education was read, as follows: — "I beg to Acknowledge receipt of your letter appointing me a • member of the Board of Governors of Canterbury College. "On making enquiry as to the scope of the Board's work, I find it includes the control of the Christchurch High School, and this -will constitute a difficulty -which will prevent my undertaking th© duties of membership. *'I have always protested against the difficulties tinder which our private secondary schools labour f these difficulties arise from the fact that the State "withholds financial aid from those secondary schools conducted by Catholics, Anglicans, Presbyterians and Methodists, although all denominations contribute their share to the revenue required for the work of secondary eduua- ■ tion. As a Catholic Bishop, I must uphold the cause of our Catholic secondary schools and strivg by all constitu- ! tional means to'- have these disabilities removed. Until these efforts meet with success, my membership of a Board entrusted with the control of a State secondary school would involve a grave inconsistency and endanger the assertion of Catholic rights and principles. "I can only hope that the Government may yet recognise the justice of our claims and bring about the dsty. when we may rejoice that we are no longer penalised for cur religious principles on the question of education. '"I fully appreciate the compliment and honour intended by this appointment, and regret that my conscientious difficulties make it impossible for. me to accept the position." The letter was received with regret.