A Bright Clergyman.

Gisborne Standard and Cook County Gazette, Volume I, Issue 71, 24 November 1887, Page 3

A Bright Clergyman.

Bev. Bobert Gray, D.D., Bector of Toller, and formerly Dean of Pretoria, was charged at Dorchester, in September, with aseautling one of his parishoners named John Yeates. It was stated that a few days ago Yeates was in the village inn taking over the affairs of the parish with some friends, and was overheard by the rector, who was in an adjoining room, condemning the laws which allowed a clergyman to remain in a parish when two-thirds of the inhabitants were opposed to him. The rector entered the room, and, putting his fist in Yeates’ face, said, “ If I were a clergyman of the Church of England I would knock you down.” Yeates advised him not to touch him, and called him a bad man. Dr Gray thereupon struck the complainant, who is an old man, a violent blow on the head. Yeates closed on the rector, and a struggle ensued. Ultimately the contestants were separated, the complainant bearing severe marks of the affray. The rector pleaded provocation and practically admitted the assault. He said he had been subjected to great abuse from the complainant, and remarked to the Bench, “ Even if I am a clergyman you would not have me lie down in the road and have my throat cut; lam a clergyman, but I am a man.” The B&nch imposed a fine of £5, which was paid. Another charge of assault was postponed on the application of the defendant.