VICAR WAYLAID.

Gisborne Times, Volume XXVII, Issue 2657, 12 November 1909, Page 4 (Supplement)

VICAR WAYLAID.

PARISHIONERS ATTACK WESTMORLAND CLERGYMAN.

The London “Daily Chronicle” reports an extraordinary outrage to the vicar of Stainmore, the Rev. J. G. Lax, who was set upon by a gang of men and youths belonging to the place. The “Chronicle” representative found Mr Lax in a very nervous and shaken condition. There were abrasions on his wrists, caused by the ropes with which he was bound, whilst one leg was badly bruised and skinned above the ankle.

The following is his account of what happened:— “On Monday night Miss Rennison called here, and said she had been followed by a man near Skerrygill, who. when observed, stooped down on all fours, as if to imitate a sheep. I told her I would see her home. We walked slowly up the road, and then along the public footpath leading in the direction of her home.

“Tlie trouble began when we reached the stile about two fields from her destination. Miss ltennison was getting over the third step, and I was standing three or four yards away, when two men sprang forward. They caught hold of the young lady and dragged her’Vjff the stile. At the same time six or seven men caught me from behind, and, after a struggle, threw me to the ground. “They held me there whilst I struggled with them for probably half an hour. They then bound by nan'd.s and feet with ropes, which entered into the flesh, causing agonising pains. 1 sustained serious injury to my arms, shoulder, and neck. “After a consultation they evidently decided to carry me in the direction of the vicarage on a gate. One was quickly forthcoming. 1 was lifted thereon, secured with further ropes, and borne roughly home. I succeeded in getting my finger into niv uaistcoat pocket, and obtained a small pen-knife, with which I managed to cut the cords binding my right hand. “When they found that the weight of the gate was too heavy for them they placed it on the ground. I then discovered that they were a lot of cowards, for, noticing that my right hand was free, six or seven of them seized it. One, fortunately, got hold of the sharp portion of the jicu-knife; so he can be identified.

“The knife'was taken from me, and in the struggle I lost 25s in cash —i sovereign, and two. half-crowns. Moreover, my garments were soiled through contact with the earth and my begrimed assailants. There was tar upon them and upon the ropes, and someone also was throwing tar about.” Mr Lax here showed me the wounds on his arm and log, and continued: “My left arm is still so bad that I cannot put on my own coat. I was tightly bound for more than three hours. Oil reaching a field near the vicarage I was left by my assailants, who took to their heels as fast as they could go. My arms were comparatively useless for a considerable time. “On regaining strength somewhat I escorted tlie young lady to her destination, and then returned to the vicarage, and after resting a while, started for Kirby-Stephen. I reached the police station there in a thoroughly exhausted condition about 4.30 in the morning, and was received with the greatest kindness by the sergeant, who took the matter immediately in hand. It is to be hoped that his investigations will enable those ehielly l concerned to be identified and brought to account.” I have also “interviewed one of the vicar’s assailants, who gave me his explanation of the occurrence. It is understood that the matter will be investigated at the Police Court shortly. It was reported by cable on September 30th that eight* of the vicar’s assailants were fined £5 each, and that the incident was the result of suspicions the parishioners had formed regarding tlie relations between the vicar and the lady, who was a schoolmistress in the parish.