Rector Found Guilty of Using Bad Language

Sun (Auckland), Volume II, Issue 362, 24 May 1928, Page 1

Rector Found Guilty of Using Bad Language

Scandalised Villagers GRAVER CHARGES FAIL (United P.A.—By Telegrapn — Copyright) (Australian Press Association.) Reed. 9.5 a.m. LONDON, Wed. The Commission of Inquiry into the case of the Rev. Oswald E. Hayden Rector, of Avening, found him guilty of bad language, and not guilty on all other charges. EXCITED VILLAGERS A London cablegram of April 11 read: The residents of the village of Avening, Gloucestershire, are excited about the opening of a commission of inquiry appointed by the Bishop of Gloucester, Dr. A. C. Headlam, to investigate allegations as to the conduct of the rector, the Rev. Oswald E. Hayden. The charges were that: Mr. Hayden failed to manifest in his acts and course of life duie respect for his sacred office, in that, notwithstanding that he was a married man, he constantly sought the company of Nina Chipp, and was observed to pay court to her and associated with her both by day and by night, in such circumstances as to occasion grave scandal. Particulars quoted in support of this were that: In January, 1927, Mr. Hayden and Miss Chipp went by separate routes to a wood near Tetbury, and then went to the Hermit’s Cave, where they remained upwards of 30 minutes. In the summer of 1927 they went by separate routes to a spot near Star Farm, and were behind a hedge in mown grass for over half an hour.

At Christmas, 1926, Mr. Hayden left a parish tea and was alone in the for some hours with Miss Chipp, Mrs. Hayden and the servants being absent. “HABITUALLY SWORE” Other charges set out chat Air. Hayden— Habitually swore and used bad language. Had referred to an educational visitor as “ a white-whiskered old .** Had told obscene stories to the residents of Avening. Neglected to “manifest due solicitude for the moral and spiritual wel*re of his parishioners,” and did not visit the sick. Frequented taverns and alehouses, -ina 'consume! intoxicating liquors . ey °nd his proper requirements,” and ought drink for the frequenters of tne taverns. «.*** Puid court to a woman named harp© and kissed her, although she spelled his attentions.