A MOURNER’S COMPLAINT.

Southland Times, Issue 18830, 25 May 1920, Page 7

A MOURNER’S COMPLAINT.

I To the Editor, 1 Sir, —I fee! it my duty as one of the mourner?, to comment on the remark? made by the Reverend Anglican Minister, who oniciated at u burial service which took place at a local cemetery receutiv, who, having been kept waiting a while longer than the time arranged, gave vent to his feelings within the hearing of everyone of the mourners present, by saying: “This defay has wasted an hour of my time; no more Sunday funerals for me.” I take it that on an occasion like this, ministers should give a lead to the community by showing their tiner and sympathetic feelings to tlie poor stricken relatives of the deceased and to those who assemble to pay their respects to a departed friend at their last resting place. Surely a "fellow feeling makes us wondrous kind.” Now, Sir, I think that such un.seemly remarks are reprehensible and degrading and utterly unworthy of any Christian calling. No minister should be allowed to occupy the pulpit, who would make such unsympathetic remarks to mourners at a funeral. 1 intend forwarding a copy of this letter to the Bishop of Dunedin. I am, etc.,—ONE OF THE MOURNERS.