THE STUDENTS OF TRUTH.

Wairarapa Daily Times, Volume XV, Issue 4436, 5 June 1893, Page 2

THE STUDENTS OF TRUTH.

A Religious Feui

[By Telegraph,—Press Association^

Chkistchurch, .Tune 4.

A considerable amount of sensation has been caused here during the last few days by references made in the papers lo A. B. Worthington, founder of. the religious sect known as "Students of Truth," which is said to Do about 2000 strong. Last week Truth, one ol the evening papers, reprinted an account of Worthington's American career, and detailing at considerable length some remarkuble matrimonial experiences. On Friday a letter appeared in the Siar directly charging Worthington with having deceived, swindled and deserted seven women in varioua parts of America, with having lived on bis present wife's money since they went through the form of marriage about four years ago and now that the money a exhausted forcing her to have him, and 00m pe 1 ling' her 10 relinquish all part in the work of the Teraplo in which she had been a fellow'teacher' with Woithirigton.OnSaturdaynigbtboththeevening papers published interviews with Mrs Worthington, in which she affirmed the truth of the charges made by the correspondent of the Star. Worthington declined to be interviewed, but placed himself in tho hands of tho trustees of the Teraplo, who supplied a written statement to the paper, This statement wag to the effect that a conflict of authority had arisen; that Mrs Worthington claimed to be head of the order. Worthington then announced to tho trustees that he could' not continue the work with such a conflict of authority, and that he would surrender it to bis wife. The trustees, thereupon, gave Mrs Worthington notice that they could not permit her to use or occupy the Temple. She then abandoned her claim to the sole head of the work, but claimed to be co founder, and coequal in it, She still maintained her right to teach what she thought proper, but, as a result of the negotiations which followed, shejeonsented to retire from all active association with the workinChristokurch. Arrangements wore made'with regard to itsmain» tenance, by two gentlemen appointod by Worthington. These arrangements she accepted without demur,