A Clergyman in Trouble

Feilding Star, Volume XV, Issue 82, 4 October 1893, Page 2

A Clergyman in Trouble

(PER PRESS ASSOCIATION.! Auckland. This Day. At the Auckland Presbytery last night the case of tbe Rev. Mr Neil, of the Thames, whose connection with the Theosophical Society was ytewed tinfavorably in certain quarters, was dis» cussed. The committee reported they had written to Mr Neil to withdraw from the society. Mr Neil replied that the 1 position taken up by the Presbytery was such that it became necessary for him to consult his friends at a distance, who might be able to advise him the best course to pursue. The Committee had considered this request for time for consultation, and thought it would be ad» visable to pursue the matter no further until a reasonable time was given to Mr Neil to consider his position. The Committee brought under the notice of the Presbytery the serious departure from ecclesiastical procedure of Mr Neil in publishing correspondence between himself and the Committee. Ths Rev. Mr Finlay moved the adoption of the report. Mr McKay protested against the action j of the Presbytery, and eulogised Mr Neil's life and conduct as minister at the Thames. The report was adopted. A protest from the Thames against the action of the Presbytery was, after some discussion, received ex gratia and carried. A commission was appointed to proceed to the Thames to enquire into the matter. It was decided to formally cite Mr Neil to appear before the Commission.