In John A Lee's autobiographical "Children of the Poor," which describes his growing up in the poorest parts of Dunedin, young John gets into trouble with the law. He is sent into the care of a prison chaplain by the name of Axeldeen, a hypocrite and a sadist, who beats him for pleasure. This is seen as allegorical, a symbol of the hypocrisy of people in positions of power in a "respectable" society.
But "Axeldeen" was based on a real person - although not active at the time of which Lee was writing, he was well known to Lee and notorious in New Zealand. He arrived in Dunedin from Tahakopa in the Catlins in 1901 to take up the position of Assistant Prison Chaplain under Mr Torrance.
PATIENTS AND PRISONERS' AID SOCIETY. (abridged)
There is no organisation of a social character that stands higher in the estimation of the public than the Patients and Prisoners' Aid Society, which for nearly a quarter of a century has performed a noble service among a class that at least deserve commiseration and assistance from those who have, not in the same sense trodden the path of the unfortunate and the transgressor. Not only has the Society extended its ministrations to the Gaol, the Hospital, and the Asylum, but its good work has been carried into many of the homes where the inmates were in distress. Mr Torrance, who has been a faithful servant to the unfortunate people who have come within the scope of the Society's operations, is feeling the pressure of years; and in his annual report makes kindly mention of the good offices of an assistant the Society has provided him with — Mr A. E. Axelsen, who was only appointed at the beginning of October. Mr Axelsen came accredited with a good record of home missionary work in Southland and the Catlins district, and the results of his labours in Dunedin more than justify the wisdom of the committee's choice when they appointed him. Mr Torrance describes him as a "wise, willing, and effective worker,'' and expresses every confidence in his ability to work in hearty co-operation with his assistant. -Otago Daily Times, 14/12/1901.
DUNEDIN PRESBYTERY. (excerpt)
Anderson's Bay Orphanage. Rev. Dr. Nisbet mentioned in connection with the P.S.S.A. that a gift of half an acre of land had been made by Mr John Blair, of Mornington, for the purposes of an orphanage at Anderson's Bay. The committee had taken for the purposes of a boys' home the house in Clyde street, where Mr Axelsen would reside. The orphanage at Anderson's Bay would be used for girls and for boys under 10 years of age. He hoped the example of Mr Blair would be followed by others, and he moved that Mr Blair be thanked for his generosity. The motion was carried unanimously. -Otago Witness, 10/6/1908.
It may never be known when Axelsen's sexual assaults on boys began. In those days Axelsen, well-known at the local court and with the esteem of the city of Dunedin behind him, could have done anything he wanted to vulnerable children put in his care. His position would protect him from any accusations made by any victim with the courage to make a complaint asgainst him. The children were, it had been proven, bad individuals and the reverend was a public benefactor and preacher.
In this light, the 1910 report of the Society for Prison Reform on the status of Juvenile Courts makes for ironic reading:
But the chief success of the Dunedin Juvenile Court arises from the rule laid down by Mr Widdowson, that in every case Mr Axelsen, of the Clyde Street Boys' Home, shall be asked, simply as a friend of boy life, to furnish a report to the court; or, failing Mr Axelsen, Mr Cumming, of the Patients and Prisoners' Aid Society, is asked to report.
Mr Axelsen, with his long experience and genial boy-loving nature, is just the ideal man for this work. His hands are very full of other work, and he gets no payment from the Government or the court, but he is always ready to help. He interviews the boy and the parents or friends, finds out all that is to be said and where the weak spot is, and reports accordingly. The result is that the magistrate is able to wisely discriminate, and can often take steps or say a word that will have the effect of checking a boy on the threshold of a criminal career. It is true the magistrate cannot appoint Mr Axelsen guardian of a boy with parents alive; but he can arrive at almost the same end by different means. In one case the magistrate convicted a small boy of theft and ordered him to come up for sentence when called on, on condition he remains at his home, but under Mr Axelsen's control, and to be removed by Mr Axelsen from his home if cause appears. In this way Mr Axelsen is made a guardian of many small urchins, and is able to do a magnificent work, which no policeman or magistrate could do.
Whenever it was that the Reverend Edward Andrew Axelsen began his sexual assaults on the children placed under his care, it ended in 1922, when he was arrested on four charges of indecency. It was a story whose full details were too strong even for the New Zealand "Truth."
SENSATIONAL CHARGE
SOCIAL WORKER IN TROUBLE.
Edward Andrew Axelsen, a prominent social worker in Dunedin for many years, appeared before Mr H. W. Bundle, S.M., in the City Police Court on Saturday, charged that, being a male, he indecently assaulted another male. Mr A. C. Hanlon appeared for the accused. Chief-detective Bishop applied for a remand till May 6. The Magistrate asked if there were any further charges, and Chief-detective Bishop intimated that there were three more.
The remand was granted, on the understanding that Mr Hanlon would apply for a further remand. Bail was allowed accused in the sum of £200, with two sureties of £200 each or one of £400. -Otago Daily Times, 1/5/1922.
SERIOUS CHARGES.
AXELSEN BEFORE THE COURT.
REMOVED TO THE CELLS.
DUNEDIN, Friday. Rev. Edward Andrew Axelsen appeared before the Court again on four charges of indecent assault on boys. Mr Hanlon, for accused, applied for a week’s remand, producing a medical certificate which indicated doubt as to accused’s mental condition. Counsel suggested that accused be allowed bail to become a voluntary mental patient. The police objected, with the result that accused was remanded for a week in the cells, to be under the observation of the police surgeon. -Waikato Times, 20/5/1922.
THF ANTICS OF AXELSEN
PRESBYTERIAN PARSON IN PERIL
Grave Charges Against A Social Reform Leader
THE TEMPORARY SANCTITY Of GAOL
(From "Truth's" Otago Rep.)
After several adjournments — some of them for good reasons — the much discussed Axelsen case had its preliminary hearing in the Dunedin City Police Court on Friday last.
The Rev. Edward Andrew Axelsen, it will be remembered by "Truth" readers, was, for some twenty years Superintendent of the Dunedin Presbyterian Social Service Association, and it was a terrible shock to the city when, a few weeks ago, it became known that he was accused on four charges, of grave misbehavior. It was truly a blow to the community, and the case is probably one of the most remarkable of its kind which has occurred in New Zealand. Axelsen is a man in the vicinity of 60 years of age, a widower, with a small family who are grown up. He is a fully-ordained minister of the Presbyterian Church, a Norwegian by birth, and has been a very prominent figure in Presbyterian circles down here. He has on several occasions
GRACED THE PULPIT, when his discourses have been appreciated by adherents of that faith. When the court proceedings opened, Mr. H. W. Bundle, S.M., occupied the bench. Chief Detective Bishop appeared for the prosecution, and Lawyer Hanlon represented the accused. The somewhat morbid-minded crowd at the back of the court were ordered out, at the suggestion of the Chief Detective, but representatives of various religious organisations in the case were allowed to remain. Prominent among those in court during the hearing were the Rev. Dr. Cameron, Chancellor of the University, and the Rev. Mr. Trotter, a leading and popular Presbyterian divine.
The magistrate naturally made an order prohibiting publication of the names of the boys concerned, but in regard to the evidence intimated that it was a matter for the Press itself to publish as much or as little of it as it desired. Much of the evidence as given by the boys was of so
REVOLTING A NATURE as to make it entirely unfit for publication in detail. Chief Detective Frank Bishop said he did not desire to address the court in opening, and proceeded to call evidence. The first boy, who is 17 years of age, said that he had been under the care of Axelsen for the past three years and had been put there owing to family reasons over which he had no control. He was in work and earning 30s per week, which he gave to Axelsen, who allowed him 4s per week as pocket-money. For the last six months he had been visiting Axelsen at his office in George Street twice a week. Witness related in detail what occurred on these occasions.
Chief Detective Bishop: When you visited Axelsen he always looked into your eyes and told you to go to sleep? — Yes, always.
Has he ever really hypnotised you at all? — No.
During the time you have been under him has he been good to you? — Yes. Why did you let him think he had hypnotised you? — I wanted to
SEE WHAT HE WOULD DO. Have you received thrashings from Axelsen? — Yes, several.
The last about a month ago? — Yes.
What for? — For keeping my wages.
Witness added that on April 24 last he went to the Police Station to see the Chief Detective, and made a complaint. Detective Palmer was there, too. Mr. Hanlon did not cross-examine witness.
EYES CLOSED, BUT CONSCIOUS. Boy No, 3, aged 13, at present resides with an aunt, but had lived up till recently at the Clyde Street Hostel (a Presbyterian Home). His father, he said, was dead, and his mother is in a Southern sanatorium. He had been under Axelsen's care for about twelve months. On September 27, 1921, he was in Axelsen's office at the Home sitting down talking to Axelsen, who came close to him and looked into his eyes and told him to go to sleep, saying "Sleep, sleep."
The Chief Detective: What else?
Witness: I closed my eyes but I was quite conscious.
What then? — He said I was going to be a good boy and have a good trip down on the train to Mataura.
And then? — He told me to wake up and I opened my eyes.
How do you remember the day? — My father died on that day.
After that did the same thing happen, but nothing further? — Yes.
The boy went on to testify to a visit to Axelsen's house early in March last.
Where did you go? — Into the study.
Was he there?— He followed me in.
Did he do anything, — Yes, he
SHUT THE DOOR and, I think, he locked it.
What did he try to do to you? — He tried to hypnotise me and I closed my eyes.
Witness then proceeded to describe the nature of the alleged assault. The circumstances were identical with those spoken of by Boy No. 1. The offence, he alleged, was repeated late in the evening.
Mr. Axelsen has always treated you well? — Oh, yes.
Have you had several thrashings? Yes.
Did you deserve them? — Yes.
You made a statement to Detective Palmer? — Yes.
And he cautioned you to tell the truth? — Yes.
A MESSAGE BOY'S STORY Boy No. 3 is 15 years of age, his mother being dead and his father residing in a Southern town. Since February, 1921, he said, he had been under Axelsen's care and up till two months ago had acted as message boy at Axelsen's house. About two months ago Axelsen saw him at the office and said "Come along to the house." They went along together and together they entered the study where Axelsen started talking to him.
Chief Detective: What did he say? Witness: He said he wanted to make my head clear and fresh.
Was he looking in your eyes? — Yes,
Did you shut them? — Yes.
What did he say then? — He asked me a few questions and then he said "You know nothing and
CAN REMEMBER NOTHING and can feel nothing."
What then? — He told me to open my eyes and I did.
What next? — He told me to shut my eyes again, and I did.
Witness then gave details of the alleged assaults. Boy No. 4, aged 16, whose mother is dead and father still alive, said he had been under Axelsen's care for about two years. At the latter end of the last year he was at Axelsen's house by instruction. In the study Axelsen said "Sit down." and then immediately said "Stand up!"
Chief Detective: What else?
Witness: He said he was going to hypnotise me.
What did he say it was good for? — He said it
WAS GOOD FOR THE NERVES and then he looked into my eyes and tried to hypnotise me.
Did he say anything? — Yes, he said I was getting sleepy.
And were you? — It made no impression on me at all.
The lad then went on to describe the subsequent happenings as related by the other boys, including the repetition of the saying
"YOU'LL REMEMBER NOTHING and know nothing."
Witness, in further evidence, gave details of unspeakable suggestions made to him by Axelsen. On April 1 last, he continued, he met Axelsen in George Street at 8 p.m. "He asked me when I was going to see him again, and I replied, 'I'm not going to see you any more as I don't like this hypnotising business." He added that he had had thrashings from Axelsen for taking extra food (from the pantry) at the Hostel, and also for staying out late at night.
TWO WARY BOYS. Two more boys, aged 13 and 11, and respectively under the care of accused for eight and three years, gave evidence of attempts made by Axelsen to hypnotise them, but without avail. The younger lad said: "Six times or so he endeavored to hypnotise me, but I never closed an eye. From something I was told I took fine care he didn't hypnotise me."
THE DETECTIVE'S EVIDENCE. Detective Palmer said that at 7 p.m. on April 17 he went to accused's office in George Street, in company with Chief Detective Bishop. He served a summons on the accused. Witness read the charge to accused, who said "It's not true." Later accused said "How long can
YOU KEEP THIS QUIET until I see my friends."
Witness went on to say that on May 2 he went to accused's house and served him with three more summonses in respect of other boys. Accused took him into his study and showed him about twenty- five books on hypnotism. Accused said he had been a student of hypnotism for the last twenty years, and said he could hypnotise the lads concerned, and had done so. He could not understand the boys making
SUCH A SERIOUS CHARGE against him. He had had trouble with three of the boys but could not understand the fourth, whom he looked on as being a good boy. Accused also said he was going to give a lecture on hypnotism to the doctors and students of Dunedin shortly.
Mr. Hanlon, who did not cross-examine any of the boys, had a question or two to ask this witness, at the request of the accused.
Mr. Hanlon: Did he not say he had been a student of psychology for 20 years and of hypnotism for nine months? — No; but accused may have said "psychology and hypnotism."
Did he not say he was going to give his lecture to the Students' Association? — No; he distinctly said "the doctors and students of Dunedin", and said there would be two hundred there.
This concluded the evidence and accused reserved his defence, being committed to the Supreme Court for trial on each charge.
THE QUESTION OF BAIL. Then arose the question of bail, which was an interesting one in view of recent happenings. Accused, who was originally on bail, was, during a portion of that period an inmate of the Public Hospital, but on last Friday week (a day on which he appeared at court), he was discharged from hospital, the medical officer considering that his case was not one for that institution. After the case was called on that day and a fourth remand until last Friday was granted, the hospital authorities offered to take Axelsen back for the week, providing the police would undertake the supervision which was considered necessary by reason of accused's supposed mental condition. To this the police authorities were unable to agree, as it would have entailed the exclusive services of three constables at the hospital. It was agreed that, if liberated on bail, accused should be under some measure of control. A suggestion was made that he should enter Seacliff Mental Hospital as a voluntary patient for the period of the remand, but this was found impracticable as accused, had he wished, could have walked out of there the day after he entered. So it was decided that he should remain in custody for the week. Accused himself expressed a desire to go to the gaol rather than back to the hospital for the remand period.
"HE'S ALL RIGHT!" "Will your Worship fix bail, please?" asked Mr. Hanlon, at the conclusion of the hearing of evidence.
Mr. Bundle, S.M.: What is the position now in regard to control? — He has been in custody for a week and I understand the police have nothing to say about it.
Chief Detective Bishop: That is the position, sir. He has been under my own personal observation during the week and also under the observation of members of my staff, and he seems to be all right. He is in with another prisoner, and says little things to him, but I think he is all right. If bail is granted, sir, I think it should be substantial.
Bail was allowed as follows: Accused in £500 on the first charge with one surety of £500 on two of £250; and on the remaining charges accused in his own recognisances.
Up till Monday morning bail was not forthcoming, and Axelsen remained in custody. It is understood that he expressed a preference that this should be so. "Truth" has been requested to explain that, because the boys concerned in the case have been under the care of the Presbyterian Social Service Association, it does not follow that they have been previously guilty of any misdemeanor. Domestic happenings — the death of a father or mother, or both — often render home control impossible and some other form of supervision is necessary. -NZ Truth, 3/6/1922.
THE ANTICS OF AXELSEN
Parson Gets Two Years' Hard
(From "Truth's" Dunedin Rep.) At the Supreme Court on Tuesday the Rev. Edward Andrew Axelsen, who had pleaded guilty in the Lower Court to four charges of indecently assaulting boys, was sentenced to six months' imprisonment on each charge, the sentences to be cumulative, thus making a total of two years' gaol for the erring parson.
Mr. A. C. Hanlon, who appeared for accused, drew the Court's attention to the remarkable work done by him for the Presbyterian Social Service Association, and the general recognition by magistrates and judges of his influence for good with boys brought before the courts. As an indication counsel mentioned that every young man of military age who was under Axelsen's care volunteered for the war, so much had his training impressed their duty on them. Shortly before the offences, accused lost his wife, and had been greatly overworked and worried.
His Honor said it was certainly a terrible fall, but it was impossible to do otherwise than inflict imprisonment for such a case. In inflicting a total of two years' imprisonment, his Honor took into consideration prisoner's good service to the community.
The Rev. Edward Andrew Axelsen, it will be remembered by "Truth" readers, was for some twenty years Superintendent of the Dunedin Presbyterian Social Service Association, and it was a terrible shock to the city when, a few weeks ago it became known that he was accused on four charges of grave misbehavior. It was truly a blow to the community, and the case is probably one of the most remarkable of its kind which has occurred in New Zealand. Axelsen is a man in the vicinity of 60 years of age, a widower, with a small family who are grown up. He is a fully-ordained minister of the Presbyterian Church, a Norwegian by birth, and has been a very prominent figure in Presbyterian circles down here. He has on several occasions graced the pulpit, when his discourses have been appreciated by adherents of that faith. -NZ Truth, 12/8/1922.
Axelsen's loss of his wife is possibly significant and raises a question or two. Was she aware of her husband's proclivities? Was she a restraining force on him? Was her death a triggering factor in some way?
E. A. AXELSEN DEPOSED
SEQUEL TO SUPREME COURT TRIAL.
A special meeting of the Dunedin Presbytery, convened by the Moderator (Rev. W. Fairlie Evans), was held yesterday afternoon, and attended by twenty-five members.
The business was to consider the case of Edward Andrew Axelsen. It was taken in private.
The proceedings lasted three-quarters of an hour.
The Presbytery unanimously adopted the following resolution of the committee appointed to watch proceedings in the case: — “Whereas E. A. Axelsen, having acknowledged by letter to the Presbytery that he was guilty of indecent acts of conduct, and having pleaded guilty of the indecent acts with which he was charged in the Supreme Court, and being now in prison under sentence of the said court, the Presbytery, without citation, resolves to depose him from the ministry and to suspend him, sine die, from the sealing ordinances of the Church; and hereby and now declares the said E. A. Axelsen deposed from the ministry and suspended from the sealing ordinances of the Church, in accordance with the Word of God and with the rules of the Church.”
The following motion was also carried unanimously: — “This step the Presbytery takes in sorrow, under a compelling sense of duty to our Lord Jesus Christ. The members of Presbytery commend their brother to the infinite mercy of God, they pray that in true penitence he may receive the forgiveness of his sins, and that ere long he may be restored to Christian fellowship.”
According to the practice of the Church, the Revs. Dr Cameron and Tulloch Yuille were appointed specially to keep in touch with the deposed minister and to care for him, with a view to his restoration to church fellowship. -Evening Star, 15/8/1922.
Axelsen and his two children moved some time later to Christchurch where he made a living as a tea merchant. He died on January 2nd, 1937.
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