SHOCKING SCENE AT A FUNERAL.

Temuka Leader, Issue 1295, 27 January 1885, Page 3

SHOCKING SCENE AT A FUNERAL.

Auckland, Jan. 26. An extraordinary scene occurred yesterday at the funeral of Holmes, scenic artist, burnt to death on .Friday night. Mackingly, the deceased’s landlord, and a freethinker, had arranged with Dr York, freethought lecturer, to conduct the funeral obsequies, while other friends forwarded a similar request to the Rev. Mr Tebbs, an Anglican minister. The funeral was largely attended, and the freethought section commenced to complain at seeing the Rev. Mr Tebbs present. At the gate of the cemetery a parley took place, during which time the coffin was left in the hearse. Mackingly told Mr Tebbs that his services were not required, but the latter insisted upon conducting the service, saying that there was no relative of the deceased present, and there was no proof that he had abjured the faith of the Church of England, He would do his duty. A number of churchmen then went to the hearse, and removed the coffin. As the procession moved down the path to the open grave, the rev, gentleman commenced to read the passage —“ I urn the resurrection and the life,” which was greeted by a portion of the freethought section by interruptions of “ Cut it short 1” “JBoshl” '‘Wo have had enough of that rot !” etc. At the grave, just before the clergyman pronounced the words—“ Ashes to ashes, dust to dust,” Mackingly jumped on the side of the grave and cried out, “Wo have had enough of that stuff," or words to that effect, but was greeted with cries of “ shame ” from the crowd. Mr Tebbs, however, proceeded with the eervice to the close. As soon as he bad done the sexton and bis assistants commenced to shovel in earth on the coffin. A call was made by the freethought people far Mr Ellis to proceed with his service, but that gentleman declined to do so. At the conclusion of the proceedings persons of every denomination, including Catholics and Jews, shook hands with the Rev, Mr Tebbs, and thanked him for carrying out his duty in the manner which he had done under trying circumstances. As a fitting finale to the above extraordinary funeral, the driver of the hearse, in returning to his home, accidentally fell down a staircase, and broke bis ankle. Holmes was not a member ot the Freethought Association, but had attended several of their lectures. Deceased was a son of Holmes, Court painter to George IV.