FUNERAL DISPUTE AT AUCKLAND.

New Zealand Mail, Issue 677, 20 February 1885, Page 3 (Supplement)

FUNERAL DISPUTE AT AUCKLAND.

TO THE EDITOR OF THE NEW ZEALAND MAIL. Sir, —On the 27th ultimo you published a Press Association telegram purporting to be an account of a disturbance which occurred at the funeral of the late Mr Holmes at Auckland. Aly committee, after careful investigation, desire me to forward you for publication the following statement of facts, believing you desire to do justice to all without reference to religions belief :—For the last year or more Air Mackinlay had, without charge, supplied Air Holmes with shelter and accommodation, and (as Air Holmes spent his earnings upon drink) frequently with food. Air Tebbs claimed the man’s body when dead, but whilst he lived never made a solitary effort to succour, reclaim, or convert him. Mr Holmes had discarded the Christian religion. When he died Air Mackinlay collected the greater portion of the funeral expenses. The body of Holmes was delivered by the coroner into the custody of Mr Alackinlay for interment. A Freeth®ught funeral was arranged for Sunday, and advertised, on Saturday. At 2 p.m. on Sunday Mr Tebbs was first communicated with- Therev. gentleman then hurried through a. religious service, intrigued for the delay of the funeral procession, and attended, the cemetery for the express purpose of interfering with existing arrangementsFor this interference he will be prosecuted. The committee vouch for thesa facts. Comment would be an insult to the intelligence of the public.—l am, &e., W. Tyrrell, Secretary Wellington Secular Society.