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Marlborough Express, Volume XLIII, Issue 116, 14 May 1909, Page 3

At the hearing of a serious charge against a music teacher at the Hastings Magistrate's Court, the prosecution called on the Rev. J. Hobbs, an Anglican clergyman, to give evidence against accused. Mr Hobbs pleaded privilege, on the ground that he received the confidence of accused in his spiritual capacity, and under the seal of confession. The prosecution contended that the reverend gentleman had already communicated the subject matter of his evidence ,to other persons—viz., the parents of two boys concerned in tho case. His Worship held that the Act exempted a minister of religion from giving evidence under the circumstances, despite the fact that he had spoken to the parents on the subject of accused's confidence; and, furthermore, he declined to allow a letter from Mr Hobbs, found on accused, to be put in as evidence-