CLERGYMAN ASSAULTED
BITTER SECTARIAN FEELING.
POLICE DRAW REVOLVERS
Sydney, July 19.
An instance of the bitter sectarian feeling in this country is afforded by the assault made last week upon the Rev. W. T. Touchell, a Church of England clergyman, who is at present touring the Riverina districts forming branches of the Protestant Federation. Air Touchell is a well-known figure in Sydney. He was once a priest, but lie broke away from the Roman Catholic Church, became a clergyman in another faith, and has since been prominently associated w.tli the Protestant Federation, and is a vigorous critic of Roman Catholic activities. Ho was conspicuous in the Sister Ligouri ease, the escaped nun having remained for some time at his house under the protection of Airs Touchell.
Trouble first developed at Coolamon. A large section of the audience was hostile, persistently interrupted the speaker, and sang “Ireland for Ever.” Finally, Air Touched appealed to (lie police, and the noisiest ones were forcibly ejected. Next night, in the neighbouring township of Mnrrar, the preacher had no sooner commenced his address in the Baptist Church than his previous acquaintances from Coolamon arrived in five motor ears, ready for any kind of trouble. Certain militants from Mnrrar joined heartily with the newcomers, and the parson’s meeting was soon a Bedlam. The expriest is a willing fighter, and warm words were soon passing.
Then one of the Coolamon brigade, who was apparently drunk, suddenly rushed up to the stage and struck the clergyman a violent blow on the face and knocked him down insensible. The constable present also sprang on to the stage, drew his revolver, and ordered the advancing “toughs" to get back. They howled and shrieked, but would not face the revolver. Another constable appeared, and, while the clergyman was receiving attention they drove the hooligans out of the ball. Mr Touchell tried to resume, his address, but stones began to crash onto the roof and through the windows. The police then asked Arr Touchell to close his meeting. He was taken from Ihe church under police protection, and the toughs made a demons!ration as lie was motored away.
The clergyman suite red somewhat severely from shock, and from a severe cut under the ear. Ilis assailants are being prosecuted by the police.
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https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/MH19210728.2.16
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Manawatu Herald, Volume XLIII, Issue 2308, 28 July 1921, Page 3
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380CLERGYMAN ASSAULTED Manawatu Herald, Volume XLIII, Issue 2308, 28 July 1921, Page 3
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