IRELAND AND BRITAIN

Evening Star, Issue 17925, 22 March 1922, Page 4

IRELAND AND BRITAIN

BISHOP LISTON’S SPEECH,

Mil GUNSONT? PROTEST APPLAUDED

The Hospital Board and the Harbor Board earned resolution approving of Ilia mayor’s action in regard to Bishop Liston’s speech. An Orange resolution has also been forwarded to Mr Gunsra.—Auckland telegram. In the name of its officers and membow, Royal Black Proceptory, No, 670, Dunedin, has written to the 'Mayor of Auckland expressing their pleasure that His Worship “ so represents the people of his city ami has shown so much spirit of fortitude which has enabled him to rebuke Bishop Liston for his utterances,” and assuring him that they place him for lus prompt action “on the pedestals of a man who would dare to come out in the interests of freedom, liberty, and loyalty.” “Wo thank you,” the letter says, “for your castigation of a man who, though a bishop of the Roman Catholic Church, and whoso people enjoy the protection of our Union Jack, has thought lit to’ offer offence to every loyal subject of our Most Gracious Majesty the King by insulting our flag. Wo assure you, sir, .of our appreciation of your promptitude and of our wholehearted support in any action you may take in upholding the integrity of our British Empire,” The following resolution w.wunanimously carried at a meeting of the Dunedin Methodist Council held last evening That this Council of Dunedin Methodists expresses its sincere appreciation of the timely, vigorous, and dignified protest entered by the Mayor of Auckland (Mr J, H. Gunson) in connection with the reported seditious utterance of Dr Liston. We believe that the dissemination of the sentiments expressed by the Roman Catholic Bishop are inimical to the best interests of Empire, civil harmony, and religion.”

SEDITION PROSECUTION URGED.

[Special to the ‘Star,’]

CHRISTCHURCH, March 21.

The ‘Sun’ to-night aayst “Wo suggest to Dr Liston and others of Irish extraction that if they are not content to respect the Tag that shelters them, and behave as loyal citizens in New Zealand, they should return to Ireland to participate in the fray. Meanwhile the Government has a duty to perform in the matter. There is a law on the .Statute Bonk regarding sedition, and Dr Liston should be taught that his rank and position do not confer upon him any special privilege to talk treason when the spirit moves him.’’ WJSLFARE LEAGUE’S CONDEMNATION. [Pics United Press Association.] WELLINGTON, March 22. The Welfare League has sent the following telegram to Mr Gnnson, Mayor of Auckland ;—“ New Zealand Welfare League expresses its emphatic disapproval of the anti-British and seditious speech delivered by Bishop Liston at Auckland, and endorses your action in the matter. Such a speech "can only tend to endanger bitterness and strife among our people and encourage those whose efforts are directed at the destruction of the Empire.”