VICAR FINED.

Wairarapa Daily Times, 3 July 1925, Page 2

VICAR FINED.

for play in church. A vicar who appeared in the role of angel in “The Way to Bethlehem” was fined £4 4s at Harlow for producing that play in his church without a license. It was stated to be tlie first . case ol its kind ill England, and the vicar, the Rev. Douglas Montague Heath, of St. John’s, Hatfield Broad Oak, was allowed 14 days in which to consider whether he should appeal. Police-Sergeant Young stated that a wltiy of three acts was performed on a stage in front of the altar. The church was filled with people, and there was only one door. In the first act the vicar wore a white costume with a wig, and he had bare feet. The other characters were Joseph and Mary, merchants, shepherds, the landlord of the inn and children, all in Eastern costumes. There were two naked hnme candles on the stage, added the officer, and a child was nearly caught alight when “Joseph” pulled the child’s arm away from the candle. A collection •was taken, but there was no charge for admission. The vicar stated this was a religous mystery play and was part of the religions instruction he gave to his people. There was no advertising of it, only an announcement in the church. He regarded it as a religions service. He lost money; the collection did not pay expenses. The chairman said there was groat danger to the audience from the circumstances in which the play was given with naked lights and only one door, and that opening inwards.