“WHY I RESIGNED”

Evening Star, Issue 16050, 29 February 1916, Page 6

“WHY I RESIGNED”

OXEHUXGA MIXiSTEII .SPEAKS OUT. DENOUNCES SLANDER. AND . JLALICIOUS GOSSIP. [Per United Press Association.] AUCKLAND, February 29. Tho Bov. J, S. Campbell, who recently resigned os Congregational minister of the Onehunga Church, explained the circumstances to a crowded meeting in the Public Hall on Sunday. He stated that slander and malicious gossip had been at work, and his honor had been impugned. His present painful position arose because of his refusal to marry anyone save the lady of his choice. Ho had been on friendly terms with a latty member of the congregation, but their intercourse never got as far as an engagement, for he realised that marriage between them would be unsuitable, although, lie always had the greatest respect, for the lady and her family. Ho had been foolish only in allowing 'his acquaintance with the lady to proceed so far. Ho had written certain, letters which the lady’s family had made public. It was obvious that ho had acted foolishly in writing at all, though there was nothing wrong in the letters. The lady herself made no charge against him, but the lying tongue of the scandalmongers had set' stories in circulation until he was compalled to come forward and make this public explanation. He intended to remain in Onehunga and fight these lies. • He would continue to preach as a missioner, and if needs be to work as a tradesman to support himself. The lady, who was present, stood up and denounced the persons who had coupled her name with the minister, who was loudly applauded on the oonclusioigxjLhisieinarks,