RELIGIOUS INSTITUTION ROOMS.

Grey River Argus, Issue 118, 13 October 1866, Page 2

RELIGIOUS INSTITUTION ROOMS.

(To the Editor of the Grey River Argus.) Sir — A curious controversy has of late appeared in your columns, and with more than me has a subject been initiated that otherwise would never have been dreamt of — I allude to "Subscriber" and his opponent's argument. I think clearly " Subscriber" has the best of the common sense view and the best of the argument, and only leaves Mr M'Farland, like Capt. Marryatt's great hero, one great covering for his Paccadilloes, and that— zeal. Mr M'Farland is zealous, but the public will not take his zeal alone for good reasoning ; nay, nor for bad management. If, as " Subscriber" argues, there has been a diversion from the original purpose of the Institution, that diversion cannot be excused by the zeal of either Mr M'Farland or his co-workers, I believe them all to be zealous, very zealous, in well doing ; but may not their great zeal in one way ' clash with the public's common sense and zeal in another way, and finally resolve itself into the zeal of one sect versus the zeal of all sects ] Now, having used this word, let me ask Mr M'Farland what, he means by "sect," for I think lie only intended to use the word denomination, in all probability protestant denomination. I can hardly suppose that the Committee intend to keep this Institution, and the proceeds thereof, for the support of any, almost until this moment, unheard of sect ; because if the members comprising, the present Committee are a sect, then I advisedly state that it is one whose name is yet unknown. It is an old saying that in a number of councillors there is wisdom, and as I am led to understand that Mr M'Farland's views are endorsed by the rest of the Committee, 1 am sorry to have to say that in this instance the combined -wisdom of the whole lias been eminently at fault, and I trust that from the lesson now given they will at least gather a little wisdom. I am, &c, Subscriber No. 2. 10th October, 1866. [The above letter was received too 'late for insertion in ouj- last issue. I— Ed. G. R. A.

(To the Editor of the Grey River Argus.) Sir — As my previous communications to you have made such a commotion amongst the Church-going people of Greymouth, permit me again to claim a space in your columns. I cannot help thinking that had Mr Harris taken the course which I pointed out in my first letter (which, I think, contained information which would have been sufficient for any person desirous of avoiding discussion) it would have saved me at least some trouble and annoyance. His arguments this time are principally confined to comments on the style and tone of my last letter, but I would remind him that he in the first place attacked me about not knowing my place, &c, and he should not now complain if I have adopted the same style. I would also remind him that in my last letter I did not reply on behalf of the Committee, or use their name in any way whatever, while he has, as formerly, used their name mostliberally. I hope he will understand that I replied in my last letter entirely on my own account, and that if I made \ise of an Unfortunate term, " sect," the Committee were not responsible. However, as it has been either wrongly used, or misunderstood by the public, I am satisfied to use "Protestant denominations " instead, which I hope will not be misunderstood or misinterpreted ; and for the same reasons I maintain my original stand. With regard to the arguments of the " Church of England Subscriber," I think also had he taken the trouble to read my first letter, he would have seen that the Committee were prepared to give any information desired in a proper manner, but only objected to the style in which it was required "through the columns of the press." In reference to his comments on " sect," I think he must be very ill informed about the formation of the Committee, else he never could have expressed a fear that any one part of the Committee could have appropriated the building to its own use ; and in future I hope he will at least enquire before taking a stand which, under some circumstances, might be admitted, I but, in the above case entirely uncalled for. As to the protest by " One of the Public," I hope he will, before again appearing in print, thoroughly consider the meaning of the term, that he may be able to refute, instead of assert, as assertions are of little or no value when unbacked by argument. I am, &c, J. M'Faiiland.