RITUAL RESENTED

Dominion, Volume 24, Issue 187, 6 May 1931, Page 7

RITUAL RESENTED

Grievance in Waikato

PARISHIONERS PROTEST A strong protest against what ; he described as ritualistic'services in St. Peter’s Cathedral, Hamilton, was voiced by Mr. W. H. Blakeway at the annual meeting of cathedral parishioners last week. Mr. Blakeway complained at the removal of morning prayer and the substitution of “Sung Eucharist.” As a church worker for 30 years this was the first time he had been unable to go to morning prayer on Sunday. “People who do not like

services,” said the speaker, “have been told to take it or leave it. No consideration whatever is accorded them. This ■is unfair and un-British in view of the fact that a majority of the people in this parish are Low Church men. I would like you to explain why so many of these services have been cut out,” added Mr. Blakeway. addressing Dean Barnett, who presided. “I don’t know whether you or the Bishop is responsible. Ido knbw that the Bishop prefers High Mass, but we people in Hamilton want plain services.” In reply the Dean said, he recognised the feelings of Mr. Blakeway and others. He had been quite right in raising the point, but the solution lay in church people providing sufficient’funds for a full staff of clergy so that services could be developed which would please everyone. Until that was done his hands were tied. The Dean promised to give the matter, consideration.