SIR,—In the various criticisms which have appeared I have seen
no comment upon the continued extraordinary omission from the body of the book of the names of the various authors and composers. I believe it is only in the larger of the musical editions that they are given, and then only in the index. The recent revision offered an opportunity to the Committee to rectify this fault, but for some reason or other no improvement has been made. Surely there must be in every congregation a considerable number of persons who are not satisfied merely to sing what is prescribed, but who desire to know whose words and music they are rendering. It is barely conceivable that the compilers are unwilling to make it widely known that many of the authors are not members of the Church of England, or that they are fearful of distracting the minds of the worshippers by the publication of any names, so there is nothing for it but to go on wondering, and hoping that some explanation may one day be forthcoming.—I am, Sir, &c.,
Croydon. G. PERCY HARRIS.
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