THE CHURCH SCANDAL

Ashburton Guardian, Volume 48, Issue 156, 13 April 1928, Page 8

THE CHURCH SCANDAL

ALLEGATION BY A WOMAN. /United Press Association —Copyright). ' LONDON, April 12. At the Commission of Inquiry investigating allegations as to the conduct of the Rector of Averting (the Rev. O. E. Hayden), Winifred Sharpe, an unmarried woman aged 32, gave evidence that the rector frequently kissed her. She was too frightened to repel him. Finally the refctor acted indiscreetly. . , Mr Hayden, giving evidence, denied familiarity with the schoolmistress. He explained that Miss Sharpe was temperamental and “jumpy,” and had a quarrel with his wife. To-day . was the first occasion on which he had + heard the charge of impropriety. The Rector’s wife also gave evidence to the effect that her married life was exceptionally happy. The Rector was a good husband and a splendid father. —Australian Press Association. A Commission of Inquiry, appointed by the Bishop of Gloucester, is investigating aHegations that Mr Hayden, who is rector of Avening, paid court to the village schoolmistress under circumstances to occasion scandal, fre- ' quented alehouses, told improper stories, and habitually used bad lan- ; ‘ guage. Mr Hayden denied the charges and said the gossip must be fully in"vestigated, “for the sake of myself, my wire, and the young woman concerned.”