HOME RULE.

Oamaru Mail, Volume XXXIX, Issue 10782, 2 June 1911, Page 4

HOME RULE.

. A NOTE OF DISCORD. (Otago Daily Times' Correspondent.) : Greymbutli, June 1. At .a meeting at Kumara in favor of according • tli'o Home' Rule' envoys' a fitting reception, a disturbing element was the Rev. S. Stephens. After the Mayor had spoken strongly in favor of the granting of. self-govern-ment to Ireland, the Rev. Mr Stephens asked' leave to say a few words. He said: -''l .rise to enter a protest, 'is this meeting' does riot represent the public of Kumara. Though not actually an Irishman, I have the closest ties with Ireland and all that pertains to the welfare of Ireland deeply concerns me. I have not heard l these delegates, but have read the reports of their speeches, which; do not really contiffl arguuients, but consist largely of and froth.*' He said that no loyal subject -of King George /could _be preserit at the meeting.—(Dissent). Home' Rule was not the prescription to cure the ills of Ireland. • In answer to a question, he said' he had never been to Ireland. The more prosperous part of Ireland did not want Home Rule. He was not going to give arguments. against Home Rule, but would do that later on if anyone desired it. The Mayor: Will, you promise me to attend the meeting and | lear " le speeches, and later on I will debate Home Rule with you ? i Mr Stephens: X cannot attend' tlie meeting, because I would compromise my loyalty to King George. lam willing to accept the second part of the chairman's suggestion. The Mayor: I will' promise you to open the proceedings with the National Anthem. Mr Stephens: That would only, be elaborate bluff. No "Irish Nationalist can be loyal to the British monarchy. His objective is an Irish republic, though at present it is not always discreet to say so. The other day m Australia an eminent personage, whose name need not be mentioned, proposed to discontinue the observance of Empire Day. the Chairman: Mr Asquitli believes in Home Rule, and is introducing the Bill. . , . Mr Stephens: A nice fellow he is. Home Rule is sometimes used by politicians to serve their own ends, which could not be attained without the Irish vote. , . Mr Stephens then retired, and' hoped that he had not hurt the personal feelings of anyone present.