SELWYN CHURCHES.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXVII, Issue 20520, 22 March 1930, Page 14

SELWYN CHURCHES.

Sir, —I entirely agree with " Anglican's" remarks about the threatened demolition of St. Peter's, Onehunga. The vicar and parishioners are not to he blamed for wishing to build a new church large enough for their needs, but the destruction of the old one is another matter. So far as the old church is concerned, the parishioners are trustees on behalf of the diocese, the whole ecclesiastical province of New Zealand and the general public. They have no moral right to demolish the building without the prior consent of at least the diocesan authorities. I do not know what is the Church law on the point, but presumably the General Trust Board has isome measure of control over the erection or demolition of church buildings in the diocese. If so, it should be prepared to take some active responsibility in this matter. Conversely, of course, if the parishioners are regarded as trustees for the safe keeping of the church, the dio-* cese as a whole should be ready to help them if they are put to extra expense through being restrained from destroying the church in the process of building a now one. It really seems to be time that the diocese recognised its corporate responsibility for the preservation of the Selwyn churches. With regard to St. Bride's, Mauku, mentioned in Mr. Crispe's letter, it is gratifying to find that one so right-minded as Mr. Crispe has ,a share in looking after the structure. He should not be placed in the position of having to make a general appeal for funds; the diocesan authorities ought to relieve him of that responsibility. Anselm.