30 MARCH 1929, Page 34

POINTS FROM LETTERS

BARKING CHURCH REPAIR. FUND.

Barking, in mediaeval times, was a country town, gathered round the Abbey. Subsequently it became the fishing port of London—until the sixties of last century practically all the fish that was brought to Billingsgate was brought by Barking fishermen in Barking craft. To-day Barking has become an industrial town, discharging some of the essential services—gas; electricity, sewage—of London and housing an

increasing proportion of London's working population. At i

a time when wages are low and work is scarce it is not poseNe without help from outside, for the Church in Barking to meet, the urgent demands of new housing areas, and the need of

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social and recreational work such as exists in a working.dee, town, and the same time to raise £6,000 for the rep,* of the old Church and Curfew Tower. The people et Barking are doing what they can, and, therefore, we appe4 the more confidently for the help of those who care for the beautiful churches of England. Cheques may be sent to the vicar, and should be crossed " Barking Church Repair Fund."—HENRY CHELMSFORD ; J. T. BARKING ; R. ft CoLvim, Lord Lieutenant of Essex, Brig.-General, Mx.. R. L. BARCLAY, Managing Director of Barclays Bank ; Joel; J. BURNET, R.A., ; F. C. EaLms, Sec. of the Committee for the Care of Churches ; W. R. LEraeny; H. R. L. SHEPPARD, C.H. ; and LESLIE S. HUNTER, Vicar of Barking, The Vicarage, Barking.