SERIOUS SCANDALS.

Temuka Leader, Issue 2483, 30 March 1893, Page 3

SERIOUS SCANDALS.

(Dunedin correspondent Taieri Advocate)

Rumours are current as to the actions of a gentleman who is entitled to prefix the word reverend ”to his name. It is alleged that the divine in question,having an eye for the beautiful, became enamoured of ca member of the gentler sex, who alas, was another’s wife ; and thus were sown the seeds of intimacy that that has grown and grown, until it has assumed a criminal aspect. The lady is, I learn, married, being the wife of a clergyman, whose parish is, however, in another province. She is said to be attractive, and her friends are aghast at the rumour that has gained currency. The disturber of domestic peace is not by any means an Apollo ; but “ love isblind” they say, and mayhap the infatuated woman considers attractions those which others consider imperfections. To say that’society is shocked is to put it mildly, and if the case is to be investigated in the Court it will be aca use celchre. The injured husband, if all one hears be true, is scarcely likely to shield either of the guilty pair, and thus scandal-mongers are all agog with excitement. Nothing definite is yet known as to what are the intentions of any of the interested parties, but the charge is all the more serious when one considers the position of the man who has disturbed the peacefulness of what has hitherto been a happy home. Yet another unsavory case has come to light. In this case, the offender is also a minister of the Gospel and one who was thought a great deal of by the members of his congregation. It is alleged that he led astray a young lady member of his congregation, and in a very short time rumours were in circulation as to the position the minister occupied. At last things came to such a pass that it was found necessary that some action should be taken, for direct charges were made against the pastor. Subsequently, a few clergymen were despatched from this city to inquire into the truthfulness of or otherwise of the allegations, and the result of their investigations is that the whole matter will be sifted to the bottom. At present the painful details are being kept secret, but facts have leaked out, and the above is the story that is now going the rounds. The most circumstantial evidence has been related to me, the publication of which would be ill-advised at this stage of the proceedings, besides being improper matter with which to regale your readers.