A PERMANENT CATHEDRAL.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXIII, Issue 19459, 15 October 1926, Page 10

A PERMANENT CATHEDRAL.

Eighty-four years have passed since Bishop Selwyn purchased in Parnell a site for a cathedral, and as yet no steps have been taken to erect a permanent building such as he had in mind, nor any real effort made to raise a fund for the purpose. In these terms Archbishop Averill called the attention of the Diocesan Synod yesterday to a fact that arouses regret as soon as it is appreciated. Other dioceses have done better. Christchurch and Waiapu have permanent cathedrals, structures of beauty and completeness. Nelson is beginning to build. Wellington has initiated a building scheme. The oldest diocese of all has so far done very little in this direction. It has done much in other ways. Its record is one of courage and enterprise in extending the ministrations of religion throughout its bounds and to regions beyond; and when its failure hitherto to build a permanent cathedral has reference these activities may well be cited in its honour and as at# least a partial explanation. Nevertheless, there should be hailed with satisfaction the suggestion that this need of the diocese be met,, and that, when it is met, the building should be worthy in every way. To achieve that desire will entail time, j for means to finance the undertaking! adequately cannot be provided without sustained effort,. The idea of commencing the work at the time of the Selwyn centenary—sixteen years hence—should not be beyond realisation, and it is to be hoped that the synod will take action facilitating the enterprise. Aucklanders of all communions will rejoice in the knowledge that such action is being taken. It is too much to hope that here can be duplicated the poems in stone that are. a pride of the Homeland and a prompting to reverence there) but it is not beyond possibility to erect a building in keeping with its sacred purpose and dignity. The lead given by the Archbishop is one to be followed with enthusiasm.