A CHURCH SIEGE.

Dominion, Volume 1, Issue 81, 30 December 1907, Page 9

A CHURCH SIEGE.

: There was ail amusing sequel to the dispute in regard to the non-payment of rates, amounting to £16,, between the Paddington Borough Council and the Rev. "W. J. Potter, pastor of 'the West-London Central (Baptist) (Jhurcb, Westbourne Grove. Contrary to usual proceduro, tlio "man in possession" did not sloep upon the promisjs on. the previous night. When ho arrived at about broakfast timo the caretaker refused him admittance, and for three hours ho, with Ids three men and • a van, stood outsido knocking for admission. Lunch-time arrived, and as it was known that half a dozen electricians were at work, inside the building who would be coming out to lunch, the bailiff supplemented hiq foreos and placcda man at eacli of the eight doors which give admittance to the church. Orders were givon that instantly a door was opened the watcher was to slip his foot in and shont for help. This inovo \vas frustrated, however, for the electricians, entering into the joke, decided to lunch in the rofcctory of the church. > Baulked,- in ■ his originaf plan, the bailiff decidpd tb""rush" the building. An in.spcctlonvw'as imado of:the various entrances, and.'.thcLslight double doors leading to the lecture-frooni.-appearing the least likely to Resist an attack, a raid was made upon them, to tho amusement of the assembled crowd. Inside, tho workmen threw.Hp a barricade. Tho besiegers, however, were too strong, and aftor _a scries, of heavy lunges, tho bailiff and - his- -men''.went toppling in on the steps leading to the .lecture-room, scattering the improvised•'barricades and: th 6 ' astonished defenders. > In the meantime the besieged workmen had telephoned for'help; and shortly .'"after an entry had been effected the paston and the police arrived, and particulars wore taken of what had happened. , The goods distrained upon in the institute included a billiard-table, two bagatelle tables, a bookcase, couch arid chairs, and a number of pictures. Tho proporty is valued by the pastor at £300. The Rev. W. J. Potter watched the removal of tho goods, and at the conclusion intimated his intention to tho bailiff of proceeding against him'for illegal distraint. jlhe mystery with regard to tho whereabouts of 'a missing picture valued-at .{"' remains as deep as ever. Tho authorities believe it to have- been stolen;" but they hold the bailiff responsible, ho, they allcgej having boon in charge of the, premises at tho timo.