VICAR’S TRIAL

Hokitika Guardian, 23 May 1932, Page 5

VICAR’S TRIAL

REV. DAVIDSON

SEVEN HOURS’ EXAMINATION

United Press Association—By Electric

ieiegrapii.—Copyright »

LONDON, May 21

The Reverend Davidson, over whom an Anglican inquiry i« being held, referring to a motor trip to Stiffkoy lie had with Mr and All's Osborne, gave evidence at the inquiry that a. loiirth member of the party was a New Zealand clergyman’s daughter, aged about twent.v-eiglit years, who came to I million with a reputation as an actress. She was then playing the juvenile load at the Regent Theatre, London. He knew her father. She was now, lie stated, n Catholic Nun. When he (Rev. Davidson) heard that she- was contemplating conversion, he lent her a book opposing this course, and he introduced her to- the Bishop of Norwich hoping that be would dissuade her.

Rev. Davidson denied placing his arm around her waist in a car, or that there had been any undue familiarity.

He denied other allegations concerning girls in tea shops. Replying to a question by the Chancellor regarding an introduction, Rev. Davidsou retorted: “If you are going to make these girls outcasts you will never raise them. The Chin'ch’s great failure is that its icebergs draw their skirts away from such girls.’’ Thus far, Rev. Devidson has been seven hours in the witness box. His examination is incomplete. At the hearing in April, Gwendoline Harris, known a.s Barbara, an eighteen-year-old girl, alleged that the Rector pestered her with his attentions. While the case was pending Rev. Davidson continued Ins services at-Stiff key, where each Sunday there had been a crowded congregation made up mostly of people whose interest had been aroused bv the case. Rev. Harold Davidson, who is Rector of Stiff key, is charged with moral i’Apses. The charges were brought by the Bishop of Norwich under the Clergy Discipline Act, 1892, and alleged that Davidson consorted with women of loose character.