THE CLERICAL SCANDAL.

Evening Star, Issue 4212, 26 August 1876, Page 3

THE CLERICAL SCANDAL.

Napier, August 26,

There is great excitement here re the Church of England cleiical scandal. A meeting of the parishioners of St. John's Church was held last night, when between 300 and 350 persons were present, the Mayor being in the cha : r. Resolutions were unanimously passed strongly condemnatory of the conduct of the other clergy in persecuting the Rev. Mr Robinson so as to goad him to resign his position as curate, and resolutions were also passed condoling with him. Archdeacon Williams, son of the late Bishop of Waiapu, attempted to defend theaction of the clergy, and to stem popular opinion, but his efforts were useless, and he was hissed out. Mr Newton, one of the most popular speakers, declared that the parishioners, new tnat the clergy had thrown down the fauntlet, were determined to take action. !he incumbent of the parish, the Rev. Mr Townsend, is greatly sympathised with, as it is believed that he has been made a tool of by the other jealous clergymen to decry a young and able popular preacher. It is rumored this evening that Mr Townsend has resigned owing to the strong expressions of feeling by the parishioners last evening. The charges made against the Rev. Mr Robinson are that he is untruthful, does not visit his parishioners, copied his sermons, and preached heresy. As each charge was read at the meeting scornful laughter greeted it. The Rev. Mr Robinson still desires to leave Napier, bub every effort is being made to keep him here.