BAPTISTS SETTLE DISPUTE AT AUCKLAND

Grey River Argus, 13 October 1949, Page 7

BAPTISTS SETTLE DISPUTE AT AUCKLAND

P.A. AUCKLAND, Oct. 12 The action brought by the Auckland Baptist tabernacle and three of its officers against five of the Tabernacle Evangelisation Society ended in the Supreme Court to-day when Doctor McElroy, for the plaintiffs, agreed that neither Doctor Alexander Hodge, nor any of the other defendants took any personal benefit under payments that, were disputed, but that all of the money was sent to two missionary societies. r J’he plaintiffs had not been aware of this. Each party desired to say that the other acted in good faith. One of the missions concerned would refund a sum of £2SQ for further disbursement to missions as the T.E.S. Council might direct.

Mr Leary: “The fact is that, according to evidence which 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 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.