3 MARCH 1939, Page 22

THE BISHOP OF LONDON

[To the Editor of THE SPECTATOR]

Sig,—There must be many readers of your journal, in the Home country and throughout the Empire, who would wish to be associated with the proposed Farewell Offering to the Bishop of London, who is retiring this year after fifty years' service to London. An appeal has been issued over the names of the Archbishop of Canterbury, the Lord Mayor of London and Viscount Sankey, which presents an opportunity of mak- ing some return for and showing some appreciation of the great work which Dr. Winnington-Ingram has carried on dur- ing the past five decades.

In connexion with the Appeal, however, little has so far been said about the notable contributions which the Bishop has made in the course of his world travels to Imperial understanding and unity. By virtue of the great office which he has held and no less by virtue of his own winning and lov- able personality, he has drawn countless multitudes of men and women throughout the Empire into a closer fellowship with one another.

Nor has his service been to the peoples of the Dominions and C.o!onies on!y. He has brought back home knowledge of these countries and has done much to spread that knowledge in the Home country. Long may the Church of England be served by such bishops !

My justification for writing is my very valued friendship with the Bishop for over a quarter of a century and my close association with him for many years in connexion with the finance of the Diocese.

I hope and trust that among your readers many will feel impelled to associate themse!ves, in however small a way, even by " token " gifts, with the universal desire to say to Dr. Win- nington-Ingram on his retirement, " Well done, thou good and faithful servant."

I should mention that cheques and donations may he sent to the Hon. Treasurer, Lord Plender, G.B.E., c/o the Midland Bank, 133 Regent Street, S.W. I.—Yours obediently,

The Athenaeum, Pall Mall, S.W. r.

ROBERT C. NESBITT.