VICAR KISSES SERVANT.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LVII, Issue 17459, 1 May 1920, Page 2 (Supplement)

VICAR KISSES SERVANT.

QUESTION OP PROPRIETY. "INDISCREET NOT IMPROPER." Improper acts and conduct were alleged against the Rev. Herbert John Martin, vicar of Holy Trinity, Old.Brompton, at a Consistory Court at Rochester, conducted by the Chancellor of the Diocese, Mr. F. If. L. Erringlon, assisted by clerical atseason, The specific allegations were that on various dates between April and August of last year the vicar had kissed two domeßtio servants in his employ—Annie Elizabeth Gladys Topping and Florence May Hamilton. It was stated that a fine of 40s and costs was imposed on the vicar at Chatham Police Court for "assaulting by kissing" Annie Topping on September 19, 1919. Further it was alleged that on one occasion Mr. Martin said to Florence Hamilton :—"Do you know that I love you with all my heart and soul. . . I purely love you." And that he made a similar remark to the other servant maid. At tho outset Mr. Ernest Charles, K.C., for the vicar, complained of the general nature of some of the charges, no specific dates being given, and argued that he knew of no caso which went so far as to say that a kiss given in a private houso to a servant was an immoral act under the Church Discipline Act. Kissing might be indiscreet, but it was a startling proposition to him that it was anything improper. In the Bible a kiss had been regarded as a greeting which showed friendship. Sir Hume Williams, K. C, for the Bishop of Rochester, pointed out that the Jkissing was against the will of the girls, and that the Rev. Martin had been guilty of conduct dangerous to the reputation and unworthy of tho character of a minister of religion. The Chancellor held that all the charges came within the Clergy Discipline Act, and Mr. Charles gave notice of appeal to the Dean's Court of Arches on the point of law. In regard to the charges, Mr. Charles said his client must plead guilty to the three relating to Miss Topping, as the proof of the conviction and the facts dis closed in the depositions were conclusive evidence Sir Hume Williams said under those circumstances he would offer no evidence in the case of the girl Hamilton, whioh did not come before the police court. The Chancellor stated that his sentence would be given to the bishop. He ordered

the defendant to pay tho costs of tho pro secutor.

Sir Hume Williams asked that the vicai should give an undertaking not to officiate pending the announcement of his sentence, but the Chacellor ruled that he had no power to enforce that. bir Hume Williams: 'It is a grave scandal that after this conviction Mr. Mar tin should continue to carry on the services. ' Defendant undertook to lodge his appeal within 14 days.