VICAR AND VILLAGERS.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XL, Issue 12213, 7 March 1903, Page 2 (Supplement)

VICAR AND VILLAGERS.

REMARKABLE SCENES AND A REQUEST TO RESIGN. The village of Pirbright has suddenly leaped into fame. The villagers, it seems, are much incensed at the action of its vicar, (the Rev. Mi. Krauss). On the occasion of the death of Lord Pirbright the church bells were not tolled, and hostile demonstrations have been made against the vicar. An indignation meeting- was held. The village —erected by Lord Pirbright— packed to the doors, and several strong speeches were made. The remarks were received by those present with marked approval. A letter was read by Lady Pirbright protesting against any acts of aggression or personal violence, but adding, " That which man has failed to avenge God was sure to punish." The vicar's name was received with hoots and groans and shouts of derision, and the following resolution was unanimously carried: — "We, the inhabitants of Pirbright, express our indignation and disgust at the outrageous and un-Christian action of the vicar in refusing our legitimate request to have the bells tolled as a mark of respect and deep sorrow at the death of Lord Pirbright, our friend and benefactor, and in view of the continued enmity existing between the vicar and his parishioners we call upon him, in the interests of the parish, to tender his resignation to the patron of the living."

Copies of this resolution were to be sent to the vicar, the patron, Mr. Henry Halsey, the bishop of the diocese, and the Rev. Archdeacon Sapie. Meanwhile, so violent were the demonstration of hostility on the part of the. people against the reverend gentleman, "police protection had to be invoked by him. Mr. Krauss became vicar of Pirbright in 1898. His relations with Lord and Lady Pirbright soon became strained, and there were difficulties concerning the use of the schoolroom by them for local festivities. When Princess Christian attended the opening ceremony of the Public Hall the vicar refused to allow the church bells to be rung. Just before the appointment of Mr. Krauss, Lord Pirbright had had the six bells tuned and rehung, and had given the church an organ. Since the summer of 1899 the Henley Park pew at Pirbright has been empty. Yet a couple of years ago Lord Pirbright showed that there was no feeling on his side, for when Mr. Krauss met with an accident he called at the vicarage to inquire how he was. Mr. Krauss' explanation of the delay in tolling the bell is that he received 110 request for it from the family till late on the Saturday evening.