GEH reported the poisonous discussions [section 3] on the compound rights when he arrived in 1938.

The discussions persisted in 1946. Bishop Selwyn fires off 3 letters on the same day to London. I reproduce them below as "Forms" 1,2,3.

Bishop Stowe, Palamcottah

8th June 1946

Dear Canon Hemming

You are probably aware of the development of the work at Nazareth which have created a problem of considerable importance in this old S.P.G. mission station. It is one which now calls for immediate solution. The rough plan which is sent [see accompanying letter] is of the S.P.G. missionaries' compound. What is called the 'large bungalow' and marked No.1 is that which was occupied by Canon Margoschis, the Rev. C.G. Stepley, the Rev. A.P. Randle and last of all by the Rev. G.E. Hubbard. It now stands empty. The katcheri [கச்சேரி, an office] bungalow was also for some time occupied by missionaries, but since Rev. G.E. Hubbard’s time has been used as the residence of the Headmaster of the Art Industrial school which lies on the S.E. Compound. The Art Industrial School boys are still using the southern portion of the compound as a play field. This most of the compound and its buildings are still under the control of the Manager of the A.I. School.

During the Rev. A.P. Randle's time permission was granted to the Circle to erect buildings for a High School on the N.W. of the Large Bungalow. It was originally intended that this High School should only admit day scholars. It has now grown much larger than was expected and is in urgent need of more space for expansion. An old building on the N.E. of the compound was handed over to the school for the few boarders who were studying in the school in the Rev. A.P. Randle’s time and is quite inadequate for the hundred boys who now board there. It is also in a very bad state of repair and is condemned as unfit for habitation.

The Circle which manages the High School is crying out for permission to use the whole compound and proposes to erect a Parsonate [Tamil parsonage?] on the site of the old boarding house at the N.W. corner which is conveniently near the Church and use the Large Bungalow with necessary alterations as the Board House. The S.P.G. bungalow No.3 near it as the Boarding Master’s house and the katcheri bungalow as the Headmaster's residence. The whole Christian population of Nazareth feel that this is the only satisfactory solution of the problem and are clamouring for this plan to be adopted.

The Rev. J.R.C. Dawson-Bowling who besides serving on the staff of the Theological College, Tirumaraiyur is manager of the Art Industrial School is willing to accede to this request but only on certain conditions. He maintains, and I agree with him, that if the High School takes over these two bungalows, a large bungalow suitable for the use of married missionary must be built on another site for the use of the future manager of the A.I.S. and another smaller one for the Headmaster of the A.I. School or any missionary whom the S.P.G. may send to work in the locality. He also asks for compensation from the High School for two other small buildings now occupied by the A.I. School staff and for the purchase of new play fields. He estimates that the sum required for these new buildings and the site for another playground will be in the neighbourhood of Rs 27,000. The Circle which has already raised a large some of money for the erection of the new High School buildings does not feel able to raise more than another Rs.9,500 for High School and Rs.1,500 on Parsonage account for the site, especially in view of their still being compelled to raise another Rs.7,000 or Rs.8,000 to erect the Parsonage on the new site.

Several commissions and sub-committees have met to discuss this problem and try to reach a solution agreeable to all parties. The last of these met on October 24th and I was present. Dr Appasamy who presided as Commissary was asked to send the findings to you with a covering letter, but I find that he has left the papers [see accompanying letter] pending my attention. You will see that the sub-committee has decided to ask help from the S.P.G. Marriot Bequest and S.P.C.K. to enable us to carry out this plan. We shall be most grateful if you will give it your most careful consideration. I know we are asking for large sums but people here are hopeful that you may be able to manage to help us to carry it out from funds at your disposal for post-war development.

The rough plan referred to is sent on another form, and the third form contains the report of the sub-committee accepted by the Property Committee Dec 6th, 1945.

Bishop G.T. Selwyn writes to S.P.G.

These papers were all originally sent to you by sea mail on February 8th 1946.

The High School authorities have collected the money Rs.9,500 mentioned in the subcommittee’s report and now want permission to use the large bungalow for boarding. The schools are just opening - hence my cable. The Rev. J.R.C. Dawson-Bowling now on his way home can give you full information if my letters are not clear. (Also the Rev. M.C Langton now on furlough.) Kindly let me know your decision as soon as possible.