HOME RULE.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XXV, Issue 9030, 17 April 1888, Page 6

HOME RULE.

ADDRESS BY MR. MOLLOY, M.P.

Yesterday evening Mr. B. C. Molloy, M.P,, addressed a public meeting at St. James' Hall, Wellington-street, on the subject of " Home Rule for Ireland." Dr. E. Leger Erson presided, and there was a crowded attendance, whilst amongst those present on the platform were: His Grace Archbishop Redwood, Bishop Luck, Rev. Dr. Egan, Very Rev. Father Hackett, Messrs. J. P. Campbell, H. Campbell, J. O'Meagher, G. M. Reed, S. Vaile, and othere, including a large number of ladies. Apologies for non-attendance were received from Monsignor McDonald, the Rev. R. McKinney, Hon. Mr. Fisher, Messrs. J. M. Dargaville, S. S. Osborne, J. A. Connell, 0. C. McMillan, Reader Wood, J. Dilworth, R. Monk, M.H.R., and others. Fronting the chairman's table were two handsome portraits—one of Mr. Gladstone and the other of Mr. Parnell—and the cheers which were given when Mr. Molloy ascended the platform were re-doubled when the pictures (which were lent by Mr. W. Tole) were turned, and their fronts exposed to view. Dr. Erson, in opening the proceedings, expressed his pride at seeing so large and representative an assembly there thau evening— a proof that there were Irishmen and Irishwomen in Auckland whose hearts beat in sympathy with those now struggling in the national cause in their native land. The Chairman referred to the announcement that in the coming session of the British Parliament a measure of Irish local selfgovernment would be introduced by the present Administration, and said that the Irish cared not whether Home Rule be granted by the Tory or Liberal party. The time had come when the question had forced itself for settlement. He briefly introduced the lecturer.

Mr. Molloy, who was received with cheers, commenced his address by referring to the pleasing circumstances attending that evening's meeting. In the chair he found the son of one of the promoters of the first Home Rule Association of Ireland, who placing his country before all things, had helped to establish that association of which the Irish party in the House of Commons was the outcome. (Cheers.) He (Mr. Molloy) also found on the platform one whom he had known in his earliest years—one who had been his schoolfellow and his associate—their Bishop, Dr. Luck. (Loud cheers.) Amongst all his schoolfellows of that period, none had left a more distinct photograph upon his heart than had Bishop Luck and his two brothers, who were with him at school. But he (the speaker) also found that he was eupported that evening by those who were not of his creed —(loud cheers) —and he was exceedingly happy that this was the case, since the Home Rule question was not one of creed; it was a question of country and of nationality. Every question upon which there was a difference of opinion was the subject of distortion, amounting even to falsehood ; and this was the case with that of Home Rule. The speaker repudiated the idea that the Irish question was one between England and Ireland, and spoke at some length upon this point. He contended that since Ireland was a part of Great Britain, it should have as much voice and consideration in everything pertaining to Great Britain as had England herself. Mr. Molloy instanced the last election to show the extent of the feeling in England in favour of Home Rule, and said that the number of votes polled in favour of Home Rule was greater than the number polled against it—(cheers) —more than 50 per cent, of the people thus being in sympathy with the Irish in their demands. The large majority of the people of Scotland were represented by members who supported Home Rule, whilst the great majority of the members sent T>y Wales are ardent advocates of the policy. Home Rule had been conceded to New Zealand, to Canada, and even to Jersey and the Isle of Man ; and the question was of universal application. The lecturer referred to the peace and prosperity which existed in Ireland under the National Parliament from 1783 to 1800, and contrasted this period with the presenteraofmisery,undertheruleof coercion. They might measure the prosperity of a country by the growth of its population, and a sure sign that Ireland had decayed was the fact that her population had decreased during the last 80 years by four million people. The cost of the system of coercion was alluded to in forcible terms, and Mr Molloy went on to trace the history since 1880 of the struggles of the Irish party in the Imperial Parliament, an interesting description being given of the scene in the House of Commons on the day on which Mr. Gladstone introduced his Home Rule Bill. The speaker urged that the last elections had helped the Irish cause, and they had proof, in the by-elections, that Ireland was winning " hands down." The argument that Home Rule meant separation was ridiculed by Mr. Molloy, who pointed out that England, with her army and navy, and the money at her command, could at once suppress a rising in Ireland in favour of separation, whilst, on the other hand such a step, were it possible, would prove a serious disadvantage to Ireland. In reply to the contention that were Home Rule granted, the Roman Catholics would persecute the Protestants, Mr. Molloy said that if he thought his countrymen would make so foul a use of their liberty as to interfere between any man's conscience and his God, he would refuse Home Rule him self. (Loud cheers.) A statement of the late Sir Moses Montefiore, that Ireland was the only country in the world where the Jews were not persecuted, was quoted, and Mr. Molloy referred at length to the issuing of the pamphlet accusing the Irish party of associating with criminals, and spoke of the recent prosecutions under the Coercion Act. The plan of campaign was explained, and Mr. Molloy concluded his address with an effeotive peroration, having spoken for two hours. He resumed his seat amidst loud and prolonged cheering. Mr. J. A. Tole moved a cordial vote of thanks to Mr. Molloy for his address. The motion was seconded by Mr. W. Duncan, and unanimously adopted. Mr. J. O'Meagiier moved, "That, in the opinion of this meeting, the system of coercion adopted by the present Government of England, is repugnant to the feelings of all true lovers of reasonable liberty of speech and of action, and has a tendency to alienate the feelings of loyalty to the Throne."

Mr. R. Poole seconded the motion, which was adopted without dissent. The Chairman introduced Archbishop Redwood, who was received with loud cheering, and who moved, "That this meeting ie of opinion that the remedy for the evils frftm which Ireland suffers will be found in the granting of Home Rule to that country." The Archbishop delivered a brief but effective address.

The motion was seconded by Mr. R. J. Duncan, and carried.

Mr. R. J. Duncan proposed, " That this meeting tenders its heartfelt gratitude to Mr. Gladstone in the efforts he is making to ameliorate the condition of Ireland."

At this stage there were loud and persistent calls for Mr. G. M. Reed, who, after 3ome hesitation, rose and seconded the motion in a brief address.

A vote of thanks to the chairman, suitably responded to by Dr. Erson, terminated the proceedings.