AN UNFOUNDED CHARGE

Otago Witness, Issue 3414, 20 August 1919, Page 15

AN UNFOUNDED CHARGE

WITHDRAWAL BY THE VANGUARD. In its issue of May 17 last, the Vanguard, the official organ of the New Zealand-Alli-ance, made the extraordinary allegation, 'on good authority," against Dean Darby', of Hamilton, " that 'on the polling day (April 10) he blessed the liquor cars, and, wearing his sacred vestments, in company with two nuns, he carried the saared emblems along several streets as a token to the faithful that they would be damned if they did not follow his lead. In its current issue the Vanguard withdraws and apologises for its unfounded statement, which was printed on the authority of one whom we have known for many years, and whose judgment we had every reason to respect." It says the facts are: (1) That there was no blessing of the liquor cars by Father Darby or any other priest; (2) that there was no wearing of sacred vestments, as alleged; (o) that he was not accompanied, as stated, by two nuns; (4) that he carried no sacred emblems; (5) that there was no token, direct or indirect, that the "faithful would be damned if they did not follow his lead." " In view of what is now affirmed as the result of inquiry," the Vanguard continues, " the barest justice to Dean Darby demands that wo hereby wholly and unreservedly withdraw the statement we made concerning him in our issue of May 17. We further tender him our very deep and sincere apology for having been led, unintentionally, to publish such a misrepresentation of his actions on polling day."