CLERIC CHARGED.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 16353, 16 February 1921, Page 2

CLERIC CHARGED.

M 1 SCOXDECT A LBEGED. LONDON, February 5. Extraordinary charges have been lodged by his brother-in-law and a canon, well known and popular in the Aorth of England, against a minister, .ami an investigating Consistory Court at: Lincoln has been convoked at tho instance ut the defendant, Archdeacon Wakeford. Precantor of Lincoln University. According to the prosecution, Wakeford misconducted himself at Peterborough OH two occasions, the second of which was on brood Friday last year. A hotel manager gave evidence that a cleric and a woman jdgned the register in the name uf Wakeford and his wife. 'They sat down to dine, and the cleric enjoined his companion to put down her hands, thus arousing the curiosity of the mu id. who ascertained that she was not wearing a ring. When tho case was resumed the bro-ther-in-law, the Tier Mr Worthington, under cross-examination, admitted that Canon Moore, who was also Archdeacon \\ akeford s brother-in-law, boro the expenses of the. inquiries into Wakeford’s movements at Peterborough. Witness had neu-i heard Canon Moore, whom Wakeford had unsuccessfully prosecuted at a Consistorv Court in 191-3 on charge of Immorality, say that lie would rum Wakeford’s career. The . in the -witness box, declared that there was a conspiracy between Moore and Worthington to ruin him. with the hotel people as their satellites. He admitted staying at the hotel, but lie went there alone for peace and quiet. 'Hie Archdeacon’s wife, deposed that when, her brother, tho Rev Mr Worthington, mentioned the subject he advised her to get a judicial separation, but slio told her husband evervfhing, mid they had sin re done their utmost to secure an investigation After prolonged .deliberation the Court found the Archdeacon guilt T-. Tho decision will be reported to the Bishop