A BASUTOLAND BISHOPRIC
Stn,—My attention has. recently been drawn to the project, which has received some publicity in the Press, for the erection in Basutoland of a separate diocese independent of the diocese of Bloemfontein, in which Basutoland has hitherto' been included.
The Anglican Church has behind it nearly a century of work in Basutoland, but the need for its influence has perhaps never been greater than it is today. The need, indeed, is particularly urgent, in view of the widespread reversion among the Basuto to the superstitious practices of their fathers and particularly to ritual murder. The Anglican Church would be greatly strengthened in its battle against these evils by the creation of a separate bishopric which the people would regard as their own. The proposal, therefore, is one which meths every support, and I hope you may be able to find space for this letter, in case it should interest readers of the Spectator.
The Basuto, I understand, are themselves ready to contribute according to their means to the cost of setting up the proposed diocese; but they are a poor people and over and above their contributions some £7;500 is required. Mr. H. C. Garrod, 68 The Mall, Southgate, N.14, will thankfully receive and acknowledge any contributions.—Yours faith- High Commissioner for Basutoland, Bechuanaland Protectorate and Swaziland, 1935-1940.
Binnbrook, 53 Grange Road, Cambridge.
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