BRITISH VILLAGE SCANDAL

Taranaki Daily News, 13 April 1928, Page 9

BRITISH VILLAGE SCANDAL

REPUTATION OF THE RECTOR INVESTIGATION OF ALLEGATIONS WOMAN IMPUTES IMPROPRIETY. By Telegraph—Frees Assn.—Copyright. Received April 12, J. 30 pm. A. and N.Z. Ixmdon, April 12. Investigation of the allegations that the reetor, the Rev. O. E. Hayden, paid court to the schoolmistress at the village of Avening, Gloucestershire, in circumstances occasioning scandal, and that he frequented ale-houses telling improper stories, is being made by a commission of inquiry appointed by the Bishop of Gloucester, Dr. A. C. Headlam. Giving evidence to-day Miss Winifred Sharpe, the schoolmistress, a single woman aged 32, said the rector frequently kissed her. She was too frightened to repel him and finally he acted indiscreetly.

Mr. Hayden, giving evidence, denied familiarity with her. He explained that she was temperamental, jumpy and had had quarrels with his wife. To-day was the first occasion on which he had heard of the charge of impropriety.

The schoolmistress denied the rector’s allegations. Mrs. Hayden also gave evidence to the effect that her married life was exceptionally happy. The rhetor was a good husband and a splendid father. Mr. Hayden was formerly minor Canon and Sacrist and headmaster of King’s School, Gloucester. He is in his 56th year. He was married in 1900 to Miss Edith Jfary Payton, of Solihull, Warwickshire, and they have two sons and one daughter. Counsel, outlining the complaints yesterday, said that, having regard to the rector’s reputation and the fact that he was a married man, apart from being a clergyman, the commission would have to ask whether he had acted wisely and honourably. Mr. Hayden denies the chargee and says the gossip must be fully investigated.