CHURCH DISPUTE.

Star (Christchurch), Volume LXVI, Issue 20238, 23 February 1934, Page 7

CHURCH DISPUTE.

“ A Scandal to Bring Matter Before Public,” Says Judge. PLAINTIFF NON-SUITED. Per Press Association. NAPIER, February 23. In the Supreme Court to-day Oswald M’Hattie personally sought an injunction against Charles W. Duncumb to restrain the latter as a minister of the church from officiating, and also claiming possession of church property. The case is a sequel to certain changes made when the plaintiff was minister and a/ter. Mr Justice Reed said that he had difficulty in understanding the case. He expressed the need for some other body dealing with such cases as it was a scandal to bring such matters before the public. Plaintiff asserted that his membership of the Church had been cancelled without notice, and without his knowledge. Subsequently a church commission had sat, and “ blasted my life.” Plaintiff maintained that the decisions were invalid on account of wrong procedure. Counsel for the defence said that the plaintiff had expelled twenty-six members from the church, whose reinstatement had been ordered by the Supreme Court. His Honor said he failed to see what advantage could be gained if plaintiff succeeded. He and his followers would move into the church, and the present pastor and members would move to the hall now occupied by plaintiff. After hearing the plaintiff’s evidence and one witness, his Honor said it was a pity that plaintiff had not engaged counsel, had such been possible, as the evidence placed before the Court had left the case unproved. Plaintiff was non-suited.