8. Because in the probable event of the inability of the officials and wealthier non-officials to bear this expense, not only will these two classes be deprived of the benefits of the regular services of the Church of England, but a large portion of the community who frequent the cathedral and are not in a position to pay seat rent, will be turned adrift and be practically cut off from their wonted public religious exercises.
9. Because all sections of the Church of England, whether Broad, High, Low, &c., now worship together and tolerate the present form of service: if, however, the salary of a clergyman depended on the congregation, there are fears that the supporters of various sections would wish for a clergyman representing their peculiar views, and that schisms would thereby occur, rendering impossible the maintenance of the services of the Church of England.
10. Because the change contemplated will effect a small, if any, saving in Government money, for public opinion will require the services of an official clergyman in the Gaol and Hospital, public propriety the presence of a responsible clergyman to undertake the burial of the dead, and public convenience due facilities for the performance of the rites of matrimony.
11. Because the only expenditure that would be retrenched by the abolition of Grants for Ecclesiastical purposes would be a salary nominally of £800, but really of £600, paid to the Colonial Chaplain and representing little more than remuneration for the necessary services of burying the dead, attendance at the gaol, at hospitals, &c.
12. Because if this salary be withdrawn, the Colony will have to pay nearly, if not quite, as much in allowances for these services, thus substituting a precarious and unsatisfactory arrangement for one which works to the satisfaction of all concerned.
13. Because the determination to abolish all grants for ecclesiastical purposes on the death or retirement of the present incumbents is not called for by any public demand. On the contrary, the almost unanimous opinion of the whole Colony, embracing as it does many nationalities and creeds, which is evidenced by the signatures to this Petition, is wholly adverse to the course proposed.
14. Because the aforesaid policy should not, regardless of the circumstances of the case, be needlessly imposed upon an unwilling community which, administering its own revenue, is particularly interested in guarding against its misappropriation.
And Your Majesty's obedient and dutiful servants will ever pray, etc.
Dated this 18th day of May 1891.
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