AUCKLAND BAPTIST CHURCH CASE

Press, Volume LXXXV, Issue 25933, 13 October 1949, Page 6

AUCKLAND BAPTIST CHURCH CASE

SETTLEMENT REACHED (New Zealand Press Association.) AUCKLAND. October 12. The action brought by the Auckland Baptist Tabernacle and three of its officers against five officers of the Tabernacle Evangelisation Society ended in the Supreme Court to-day when Dr. McElroy, for plaintiffs, agreed that neither Dr. Alexander Hodge nor any of the other defendants took any personal benefit under the payments disputed, but that all the money was sent to two missionary socWies. The plaintiffs had not been aware of this. Each party desired to say the other acted in good faith. One of the misstons concerned would refund the sum of £250 for further disbursement to missions as the Tabernacle Evangelisation Society council might direct. Mr Leary said that according to the evidence that would have been produced the council authorised payments to be made as directed by the donors. This was understood and intended to cover not only the originally earmarked payments, but those subsequently directed in writing. These subsequent directions were acted on in complete good faith. Expressing satisfaction that a settlement had been reached, his Honour said that if it had helped to restore unanimity a good purpose had been served. The proceedings were struck out.