To the Editor of the "Nonru-Cinwa Dany News Sin,—Gradually but surely different generations are whittling and disperse ing the heritage which God-fearing, generous and far-sighted Britons In the early days of this Settlement provided for us and for those who follow us, About 1848 the plot of land bounded by Hankow, Kiukiang, Kiangs! and Honan Roads was presented and the frst Protestant Episcopal Church opened. The Cathedral as we now know it was opened on Trinity Sunday 1002.
First blunder. In 1900 the strip of land measuring about 2 mow fronting Honan Road was leased for 35 years annual rent of $10,500, Those representing the Cathedral who put the deal through assumed responsibil lity for the Ground rent and. the amount now paid to the SMC, $3,579.04 por annum, giving the Cathedral a return of $0,020.95. Dur-Mu the 8 remaining years of the lease the Ground' Rent. Is likely higher, redueing still further the rent received by the Cathedral, 'The astute lessee erected the row of shops which stands on the piece of land and receives $37,468, per' annum in rents, Second blunder. the Cathedral Boys' School was built on the strip of Jand along Kiukinng Road, It felt that if the Trustees hiad one to the British Court, pointing out the tundesirabllity of a school on that site for so many reasons, permission would have been granted to acquire land ind build fu a more desirable and suitable locality, If that had been dono it is likely that Instead of a gradually dwindling number scholars: the school would have been flourishing condition. Third blunder, (7292). The suggested sale of the piece of land fronting Kiangs! Road. Lot us try and visualize what HU happen If the sale is made: fa) 'The whole piece of land wotila, not be under' the control of the "Cathedral "and therefore the value of the remainder decreases, some Future nate it may be found necessary 10 remove the Cathedral some other" spot. murehaser of the ploce of {he utmost in Few, there would pit, to_ produce bbe no conslderation'ine the Cathedral. would be on those Roads ana" thie Caretakers and. ser= an airing, eats, radian Chinese musi, ines of washing and 60. on.
For 88 years it has been possible for the Cathedral to carry on. Why not now? It seems that the expenses have gone up in the same ratio as the size of the buildings on the Bund. T have not heard of any serious tempt to raise funds to meet any special needs. Why is it necessary to resort to an easy method of getting out a ancial diMleulty in this woy?
Through the world men are striving for Lewuty. "There is very litle of it in Shanghai. The Trustees of the Cathedral not only contemplate selling our birthright but propose to do away with a beautiful spot in this crowded city.
A Sunscaoen, 1 Shanghai, Feb. 24,
Text read from the printed page and cleaned; old type leaves the occasional error.