THEFT FROM CHURCH.

Manawatu Standard, Volume L, Issue 117, 14 April 1930, Page 6

THEFT FROM CHURCH.

PRISONERS’ RESOLUTION. UNIGUE IN GAOL HISTORY. AUCKLAND, April 13. A resolution passed at the Church of England prison service at Mount Eden gaol to-day was probably unique in the annals of prison history. Rev. Jasper Calder said that he was saddened to think any man would bo so low as to steal the silver chalices,, or communion cups, from the Dunedin Cathedral, especially in Holy Week. “And now, boys,” said the city missioner, “between us we might get those vessels back. Suppose we send a resolution of protest to the Dunedin papers showing that 350 prisoners think this theft was not cricket. Considering what the Church has done, and is doing, it is rather like biting the hand that feeds you.” There was a nodding of heads and a murmur of approval. “All right,” said Mr Calder, “here’s tire resolution: ‘That this congregation heartily protests against the theft of the sacred vessels from the House of God, ffnd urges the thief to restore the chalices immediately.” This was moved by a long-sentenced man in the prison choir, and when a seconder was asked for, it was forthcoming in a dozen places, and on calling for a show of hands, the men put up their hands like schoolboys voting for a holiday, as the missioned put it.