IN NEED OF FUNDS

Evening Post, Volume CXXII, Issue 32, 6 August 1936, Page 27

IN NEED OF FUNDS

The Christchurch Cathedral choir, known far-beyond the city for the excellence of its music; is threatened with extinction (states the "Press"). The. Cathedral's finances are causing alarm; and Bishop West-Watson has told church people that they must act without delay if the choir is to be saved. The Bishop's call follows the1 announcement that, because finance is lacking, the future of the Cathedral Grammar. School is uncertain. Writing in the "Church News" of investigation of the ■ Cathedral finances, the Bishop says:—"lt is becoming ■ clear that the question is not just the 'to be or not to be' of a special school for the choir boys, but the 'to be or not to be' of the choir itself as it now exists. I believe the church people will rally to the support of the Cathedral music, which means so much to our diocese and city, but we shall have to raise, annually a 'Save the Choir' fund of several hundred pounds if the position is to be secured. After all, the Cathedral music is an offering of our very best and noblest to God in praise and worship. But if we are to continue to make the offering we must act, and act quickly." The Cathedral finances are referred to in another part of the "Church News," where the future of the Grammar School is briefly discussed. Nothing has yet been settled, the" statement says. The Chapter has decided that in its present form it must close it, but the Parents' and Old Boys' Association has suggested an arrangement by which the Chapter would be guaranteed against loss on the school if it were kept open. This scheme is still under consideration.