THE GODLEY STATUE.

Lyttelton Times, Volume CXVII, Issue 17587, 18 September 1917, Page 2

THE GODLEY STATUE.

TO THE EDITOR.

Sir,— May I through your columns voice my protest against the action of the City" Council in virtually consenting to hand over the God ley statue to the Cathedral chapter? Why, I would ask, is one denomination to be presented with a piece of public property? (Or is the chapter prepared to bestow upon the city the north-west portion of the Cathedral grounds?) As a citisca, I decidedly object to make over citizens possessions to any religious body. Further, I would ask, What good reason can be adduced for outraging the memory of those who planned our city by marring the beauty of its chief square raid malting it a mere tramcar station. The centring of tramway traffic and all that appertains thereto in Cathedral Square is only a habit, and ono which might certainly be dropped and other methods adopted. As children, some of us rend in an old book, “Man shall not live by bread alone,” and we therefore stilt hold that no people can bo said to trulv thrive whose course is dictated wholly by the utilitarian—-in whose programme of life beauty finds no place. Once more 1 would urge—honour the memory of Canterbury’s founder by keening the statue in its rightful place —the centre of the Square—and find shelter and convenience for tramcar passengers elsewhere.—l inn. etc., CITIZEN.