(FROM OUR OWN CORRESPONDENT.) NAPIER. 25th August.

Evening Post, Volume XIV, Issue 49, 26 August 1876, Page 2

(FROM OUR OWN CORRESPONDENT.) NAPIER. 25th A ugust.

There is great excitement here regarding the Church of England clerical scandal. A meeting of the parishioners of St. John's Church was held last night. Between 300 and 350 persons were present, the Mayor in the chair. Resolutions were unanimously passed strongly condemnatory of the conduct of the other clergy in persecuting the Rev. Mr. Robinson so as to goad him to resign his position as curate. Resolutions were also passed condoling with him. Archdeacon Williams, son of the late Bishop of Waiapu, attempted to defend the action of the clergy, and stem popular opinion, but his efforts were useless, and he was hissed at. Mr. Newton, one o£ the most popular speakers, declared that the parishioners were determined, now that the clergy had thrown the gauntlet down, to take it up. The incumbent of the parish, the Rev. Mr. Townsend, is greatly sympathised with, as it is believed that he has been made a tool of by other jealous clergymen to decry a young, able, and popular preacher. It is rumored this evening that Mr. Townsend has resigned, owing to the strong expression of feeling by the parishioners last evening. The charges made against the Rev. Mr. Robinson are that he is untruthful, does not visit his parishioners, copies his sermons, and preached heresy. As each charge was read at the meeting, scornful laughter greeted them. The Rev. Mr. Robinson still desires to leave Napier, but every effort is made to keep him here. +