Article image
Article image
Article image
Article image

A DISGRACEFUL SCENE IN A CHURCH.

At a building committee of the Presbyterian Church at Koroir, a meeting was held to consider tenders for the erection of a new church. The meeting was held in the church, there being present amongst o ' hers, the Rev. Mr Adams, Mr Officer (mayor), and a Mr Wilson. Mr Officer, in a fiery oration, objected to the acceptance of tenders, reviewing the impecunious condition of the district, and considering that the necessary funds could not be raised. The Rev. Mr Adams, in reply to the Major, said that some of his (the mayor's) statements were true, and some were not true. This brought the Mayor to his legs, lie demanded of the Rev. Mr Adams to know- which of his statements were untrue : he would not submit to be called a liar, and in a very intemperate speech, in which he was frequently called to order, assailed the Rev. Mr Adams, Mr Wilson, and, by implication, other members of the congregation. Mr Wilson, with some warmth, defended the Rev. Mr Adams. He repelled the Mayor's assertions generally, and retorted with some effect on his exaggerated notions of his own importance. On this the Mayor dashed his hat aside, and jumping over the seats, laid violent hold of Mr Wilson by the ne-k wih both hands, Mr Wilson making such effective resistance as he was able, and using such force and violence as he was jus ified in using under the circumstances. The Mayor's object was apparently to have the fight outside the church, but it was precipitated by his violence, and his mayoral dignity, unrespected by himself, was not sufficient to protect him from the hands of Wilson, or from a severe hauling by other members of the committee who naturally felt indignant at the desecration of the church, and endeavored to separate the combatants before much damage was done to either, or many blows exchanged. The committee of course adjourned, and the Rev. Mr Adams intimated his intention of resigning, and of bringing under the notice of the congregation from the pulpit the indignation to which he and the other members of the committe were subjected by the ruffianly conduct of the Mayor. The feeling in Koroit, and especially among the Pre>byterian body, is, as may be imagined, one of unmitigated disgust atthe conduct of one who has brought so much disgrace on them. Mr Wilson intends to take out a summons for assault againt the Mayor. — Koroit correspondent of the Belfast Banner.

This article text was automatically generated and may include errors. View the full page to see article in its original form.
Permanent link to this item

https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/WCT18710126.2.11

Bibliographic details

West Coast Times, Issue 1661, 26 January 1871, Page 2

Word Count
420

A DISGRACEFUL SCENE IN A CHURCH. West Coast Times, Issue 1661, 26 January 1871, Page 2

A DISGRACEFUL SCENE IN A CHURCH. West Coast Times, Issue 1661, 26 January 1871, Page 2