CEMETERY DISTURBANCE.

Freethought Review, Volume II, Issue 19, 1 April 1885, Page 8

CEMETERY DISTURBANCE.

TO THE EDITOR OF THE ' FREETHOUGHT REVIEW, Sir, —The perusal of your leader bearing upon the above subject caused some little surprise among many Freethinkers in this city. The writer has evidently gathered his statement and formed his opinions upon some most incorrect and partial acccounts. On the day previous to the funeral, arrangements had been made with Dr. York for a Secular service to be held. Nevertheless, several employees at the Opera House, although fully aware that such was the case, went to Mr Tebbs only one hour before the time fixed for the interment, and urged him to bury deceased according to Church of England ritual. There'js a preponderance of evidence to prove that the late Mr. Holmes was a Freethinker before he died, and I contend that no Christian had any right to interfere, particularly as the body had been handed over by the Coroner to Mr Mackinlay, who never consented for an instant, during the whole occurrence at the cemetery, to what he deemed such an injustice. Your article states that the Freethought leaders gave way, but nothing could be more contrary to the truth. It was in spite of our protestations that Mr Tebbs conducted the service. Our interruptions were made chiefly with a view of causing the clerical gentleman to desist, and so loud was the clamour of indignant voices that for several minutes he was compelled to desist. You stigmatize our conduct as " rowdy," " most unseemly," &c, but I feel confident that had you, Mr, Editor, been present your tone would have been very different when you came to describe what you saw. Many of those who interrupted were respected gentlemen, holding prominent positions in the

Rationalistic Association and the Children's Lyceum. The Association does not regret" the occurrence, as it will act as a salutary and much-needed lesson and warning to the orthodox to mind their own business for the future. I am, &c„ J. Goodwin Cox. Auckland, March 20, 1885.