Disgraceful Proceedings.

Southland Times, Issue 7037, 27 January 1885, Page 2

Disgraceful Proceedings.

r " ' """^ ■""■ [BY TeLEGRAPB.] Auckland, Jan. 26. An extraordinarj r scene occurred yesterday at the funeral of Mr Holmes, scenic artist, who was burnt to death on Friday night. Mackinlay, the deceased's landlord, and a Freethinker, bad arranged with Dr Yorke, Froethought lecturer, to conduct the funeral obsequies, while other friends forwarded a similar request to the Rev. Mr Tebhs, Anglican minister. The funeral was largely attended, aud the Freethought section commenced to complain at the Rev. Mr Tebbs' presence. At the gate of the cemetery a parley took place, during which time the coffin was left in the hearse. Mackinlay told Mr Tebbs his services were not required., but Mr Tebbs insisted qn conducting the service. He. said that there was not a relative of the deceased present, thsre was no proof that he bad abjured the faith of the Church of Eagland, and he would do his duty. A number of churchmen then. removed the coffin. As \ha procession moved to the grave, the rev. gentleman commenced to read the passage — " lam the resurrection and the life'," whiob was greeted by a portion of the Freethonght section by such interruptions 88 u Cut it short," "Bosh;" "We have bad enough of that rot," " Shut up," &c. At the grave, just before the clergyman pronounced the words, '.' Ashes to ashes, aud dust to dust," Mackiplay cried out, " We have had enough of that stuff," or words to that effect, but he was greeted with cries of "Shame!" from the crowd, The Rev. Mr Tebbs proceeded with the service to th° close. -As soon as he bad done, the sextop and his assistants commenced to shovel in the earth. A call was made by the Fraethought people, for Dr Yorke to prooeed with his service, but that gentleman declined. At the conclusion of the proceedings persons of every denomination, including Catholics and Jews, shook hands with Mr Tebbs, and thanked him for carrying out his duty under trying circumstances. Mr Holmes was not a member of the Freethought Association, but had attended ; Several oi! their lectures. Dsoeased was a '■ son of Mr Holmes, Court painter to George - : [