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Lyttelton Times, Volume III, Issue 117, 2 April 1853, Page 8

' A, To the Editor of the Lyttelton Times. Sift,—l cannot agree with the " Squatter" in to-day's Times, that discussion on subjects of great importance to us should remain still until Mr. Sewell's return, because such discussion necessarily involves strictures upon that gentleman's letter; he never could have expected that his parting effusion would remain uncriticised during his absence. In order, however, that our friend may return with a contented mind to his station on the " Heights of Indifference," and resume his pastoral crook untroubled by reflections on the want of fairness or generosity in the Pilgrim character, I endeavour to put in a word for Mr. Sewell. It seems to me that we are doing that gentleman injustice by taking for granted that the £600 which he declares to be available for the support of the clergy, is in reality the interest of the £10,000 set apart for the endowment of the Bishopric. Remember, Sir, that this sum was handed over to the respected " Trustees for the Colonial Bishopric Fund" for a distinct and specific purpose, viz., the maintenance of a Bishop of Christchurch, and although, unfortunately, they may make an injudicious investment of this money, they cannot appropriate its proceeds to any other purpose whatever than the one for which they received it, without committing such a downright violation of trust as might consign them to the tender mercies of a Court of Chancery! The Christchurch Bishopric Act confirms the resignation (previously tendered) by the Bishop of New Zealand of all jurisdiction oyer Canterbury, and leaves us, to my plain understanding, in no Diocese whatever, so that we can only receive Dr. Selwyn on his^ approaching visit, as a very respected Missionary Bishop. Moreover, the appointment of a Bishop of Christchurch was always held out as the key-stone of our Ecclesiastical system, which will not, I fear, work in a satisfactory manner .until this indispensable feature is supplied. When this is likely to be the case, or how soon we shall be extricated from the anamalous position above mentioned, is no small mystery to if the Bishopric fund has really dwindled down to a claim upon some buildings here; the rents of which, instead of being permitted. to accumulate, are actually being spent in an illegal manner. But I cannot believe, upon.mere hearsay, that either Mr. Sewell would suggest so gross a misappropriation, or that men like Mr. Gladstone, Mr. Justice Coleridge, and Archdeacon Hare, would for amoment entertain such a suggestion if made. Should the report however be unfortunately confirmed, I hope that such an energetic and numerously signed protest will be addressed to the Trustees, as at once to convince <- them that the people of : Canterbury do ncj^, prefer seeing a sacred trust violated ano> - their Bishopric robbed, to being themselves called upon for further pecuniary sacrifices in behalf of their Church. Some curious friends having penetrated the disguise under which I last wrote to you, and as an alphabetical veil seems a very effectual one, I beg this time to subscribe myself, Your obedient servant, C."B. A. Christchurch, 19th March, 1853.