FUNERAL DISPUTE AT AUCKLAND.

New Zealand Times, Volume XLIV, Issue 7403, 17 February 1885, Page 3

FUNERAL DISPUTE AT AUCKLAND.

TO THE EDITOR OF THE NEW ZEALAND TIMES. Sin,—On tho 27th ultimo you published a Press Association telegram purporting to be an account of a disturbance which occurred at the funeral of the lots Mr Holmes at Auckland. My 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 religious belief : —For the last year or more Mr Maokinlay had, without charge, supplied Mr Holmes with shelter and accommodation, and (as Mr Holmes spent his earnings upon drink) frequently with food, Mr 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 tho Christian religion. When he died Mr Mackinlay collected the greater portion of the funeral expenses. The body of Holmes was delivered by the coroner into the custody of Mr Mackinlay for interment. A Froethsught funeral was arranged for Sunday, and advertised on Saturday. At 2 p.m. on Sunday Mr Tebbs was first communicated with. The rev. 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 arrangements. For this interference he will be prosecuted. The committee vouch for these facts. Comment would be an insult to the intelligence of the public.—l am, Ac., W. Tyrrell, Secretary Wellington Secular Society.