HE PREFERRED THE WIDOW.

South Canterbury Times, Issue 2180, 13 March 1880, Page 3

HE PREFERRED THE WIDOW.

How Elder Pierce of Mormon, notoriety carried off an Auckland widow in preference to the wife of a fishhawker is thus related in the “New Zealand Herald,” of Wednesday last. Considerable interest was manifested on the wharf yesterdays when it became known that E. T. Pierce the Mormon elder, was to leave with several converts. Elder Pierce, however, was Invisible to all inquirers, but the public were not disappointed, as one poor woman, a recent convert, and wife of a well-known fish-hawker, was intent upon proceeding to the city of the Latter-day Saints, notwithstanding the efforts of her husband to prevent her. With a babe in her arms, and two more young children clinging to her dress, she made many attempts to get on board the mail' steamer, and at last succeeded in so doing, and proceeded below, followed by several more of the same persuasion, and strange to say", females of fair ordinary attractions, their call had not yet been delivered, but they looked forward to it being re • vealed in a few days and were prepared to follow. The fish-hawker s wife had received the call two days ago, and, without a stiver or a 'change of clothing, she was prepared to follow the command of her Lord and Mai <er. The poor deluded woman made the statement in-all earnestness, and by her conduct and bearing appeared ready to make any sacrifice for the faith she had embraced. That Elder Pierce was not quite persuaded she had received the call was apparent by the fact that lie .would not pay" her fare, and that he did not want her company", and on the strength of this both her and the helpless children were assisted on shore. On the wharf she sat in a stolid and dazed mood, when by the .generosity of some friend she was moved away in a cab, accompanied by the other females, who expect the call in a few days. Elder Pierce, with a Mrs Jackson, a widow, a recent convert from the South, were the only passengers to Salt Lake City".