ARCHDEACON FINED.

Taranaki Daily News, 2 September 1921, Page 5

ARCHDEACON FINED.

ANNOYANCE TO WOMEN. INCIDENTS IN HYDE PARK. London, August M Archdeacon William Harris, King’#-' Chaplain and Minister of the English Church at Brussels, was fined £5 at th« Marlborough Street Police Court for, annoying women in Hyde Park. The police said that the Archdeacon! on four occasions spoke to women, and in two cases the women complained but refused to, become involved in court; proceedings. In the fourth instance a. police officer intervened. The ArchdeM con said that he was the women’s friend, but the women denied that het was

Harris gave evidence that he came to London from Brussels to preach his annual sermon at the Chapter Royal, and went to Hyde Park on Wednesday evening in clerical dress and wearing gaiters. He listened to the orators, but the rain poured and he went home, meeting on the way two ladies with whom he discussed the weather.

One of them glanced at his gaiter* and remarked that the church was the best place cn such a wet night. He replied that the cinema was a good place,: adding that Charlie Chaplin was showing in “The Kid” near by. The said that they did not like Char bo. Chaplin, and they parted in the friendliest way. Harris denied two of the incidents andi admitted the fourth, but explained thatl the woman sought his help. He was interested in rescue work, and had formed a certain opinion regarding the woman, whom he wished to help. He told the policeman that he was a friend in that sense. Notice of appeal was given.