STORMY MEETING.

Auckland Star, Volume LXIV, Issue 73, 28 March 1933, Page 8

STORMY MEETING.

CAMBRIDGE PARISH. VICAR ASKS FOR ADVICE. NO DECISION REACHED. (By Telegraph.—Own Correspondent.) CAMBRIDGE, this clay. For a considerable time there has been much discussion among the parishioners of St. Andrew's Anglican parish of the general attitude of the vicar, Canon G. Gordon Bell. Strong opposition has been voiced from time to time at Church policy, and recently a member of the vestry resigned, as a protest. The dispute culminated in a stormy meeting last night, when it was very evident that the parishioners were eharply divided over the question raised by the vicar whether or not he should endeavour to arrange an exchange with another parish. Outlining his reasons for calling the meeting, the vicar detailed the circumstances concerning a request he received when -he 'vas in England some time ago, that he should not return to Ca abridge. He said he had now received advice from a source which he could not ignore. He would consider arranging an exchange of parish. The vicar, after asking for advice, caused surprise by stating he could not promise to act on any advice one way or the other, but he would consider it deeply. • Mr. W. Sands, a member of the vestry, said it was useless giving advice under such circumstances. If the vicar was Hot prepared to work in harmony with the parishioners he would be better away. At this stage Mr. H. D. Dallimore, extreasurer, who recently resigned all hU offices in the church, crossed swords with the vicar, who told him to resume his seat, as he would not allow a genera) discussion on the affairs of the parish. Mr. Dallimore refused to sit down, and this caused an uproar, and many parishioners left the hall. Mr. Dallimore said his advice to the vicar was to leave the parish, and he was going to give his reasons. The Vicar: I remind you that the good name of Cambridge is at stake to-night. I am afraid the good name of the parish will be damaged unless we are careful. Finally, Mr. Dallimore addressed the meeting. Mr. A. N. Willis, another member of the vestry, said: "My advice to you (the vicar) is to go, and my advice to anybody nominated is not to conic." After several speakers had appealed for peace in the church, the meeting closed without any definite action.