TRIAL OF REV T. TAYLOR

Hokitika Guardian, 20 July 1928, Page 3

TRIAL OF REV T. TAYLOR

ELEVEN CHARGES.

(By Telegraph—Per Press Association.)

WELLINGTON, July 19

In the Fielden Taylor case, the Crown Prosecutor, Mr Macassey, said that he did not intend to address the Court, and he proceeded forthwith to call evidence.

A boy aged fifteen in June, giving evidence, stated that lie came from Auckland to the accused’s charge in June, and ho went to the accused’s house in Taranaki Street. After lunch lie had an interview with the accused in his private room, where his body was examined, and he was given advice regarding sexual matters; The .accused examined his heart, by asking him to open bis shirt, and by putting his ear to his chest. The accused told him that he was not very strong. Witness then went to a. house in Jesse Street where his brother lived, with other boys in Taylor’s charge. The accused made one other examination of his body in September, and another listening to his heart only later.

When cross-examined witness admitted a weakening practice against which the accused had warned him; and stated that tho house where he lived other boys under tho accused’s care told him that they also practiced it. Mr Macassey objected to this latter statement being recorded, but the Magistrate said he thought it relevant to the environment and the habits of the boys concerned in this Home. Witness, further cross-examined, said that he had since gone to Abel Smith Street, but ho had not since been examined by Taylor. Mr Gray (for tho accused): “Do you think that Taylor was doing anything else but seeing that you were clean and healthy? Was lie doing anything improper?” Witness: “I thought lie was doing his best for me.” Mr Gray: “While you were under his care, did you go to his mission services?” ( Witness: “Yes.” Witness, in reply to counsel, said that the mission had done its best for him, and ho appreciated what Taylor had clone,

AN ENTIRELY DIFFERENT STORY. Another boy, aged sixteen years, employed as a message hoy in the City and residing with his parents in Wellington, admitted that he had been placed on probation for theft. For some time after that be was out of employment, and on the advice of the Child Welfare Officer, his (mother sent him to accused’s house. The witness went further than the statement that the accused had examined him and had, discussed physical matters with him, and in view of the statements being made, Mr Page, S.M., asked him to tell his story in his own language, asking several pertinent questions. The hoy’s statement was that certain improper actions by him were undertaken at the accused’s request, and these had been so frequent as to constitute a practice on almost every occasion that they met. Mr Macassey: “Taylor has been kind to you?” “ Yes.” THE BOY CROSS EXAMINED. WELLINGTON. July I'o. In the case against Thomas Fielden Taylor, Mr Gray, K.C. (for the accused) cross-examined the witness after lunch. He was pressed regarding a statement that a wallet for the theft of which he had been convicted, had fallen from another person’s pocket. Tho witness admitted that lie had taken tlio wallet from the person’s pocket. He also admitted that he had been dismissed from several places for stealing money.

Mr Gray: “You admit you are a dishonest and an jjnrelinbl© per Mon? ” Witness:Yes.”

Counsel then proceeded to question the witness regarding various employments he had held. He then asked him as to how many times he had visited the defendant’s house. Witness said that he visited Taylor’s house every day for twelve months, and he adhered to it.

Questioned as to visitors, the hoy said that there was a lock on the door, hut said that he really meant the front and not the study door. He asserted that tho practices alleged used to go on, despite the knocks on the door. Witness said that he was still on probation, and lie was frightened that lie would get into a. row if be bad refused.

To tlie S.M. the witness said that lie had first mentioned the incidents to his father. Albert Bullivnnt, an officer in the Child Welfare Department, said that so far as lie knew, those hoys who went to accused were looked after in a satisfactory manner. To Air Gray, witness said accused was a unique personality, with methods of his own. His methods were unorthodox, hut he had the confidence of the boys. As far as witness knew, accused had a beneficial influence on the hoys. Another hoy, an orphan, aged 11, said accused had given him lectuies on sexual matters, and had examined his heart and body and felt his pulse Witness did not protest, as lie was led to understand it was for his own good. To Mr Gray, the witness said accused was very good to him. Wnd said he would still do anything lor a ecu sec . •Witness considered accused gave gooc advice to the hoys. . To counsel, he said he never considered or suggested there was anything indecent in accused’s actions . Dr J. S. Elliott gave evidence that such an examination as that sail to have been given by accused could not he of much value. At this stage Mr Virtue collapsed and had to be taken out into the air where he quickly revived, and returned will be continued to-morrow.