THE SUBSCRIPTION FOR THE DESTITUTE IRISH.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 1944, 24 March 1868, Page 5

THE SUBSCRIPTION FOR THE DESTITUTE IRISH.

(To Hie Editor of the Otaoo Daily Times.) Sir—As we understand much misconception exists amongst our Fellow <Jolonists as to the purpose to which the subscription lately collected for the destitute wives and families of tho Irish Political Prisoners has been applied, we shall feel obliged if you can spare space iri your columns for insertion of the accompanying copy of ,a, letter forwarded to J. F. M'Guire, Esq., M. P. We would'hot trespassron your columns -or trouble your readers with this matter, but that we find a feeling exists that it is . something in connection with the Fenian Movement—a movement which, as far an is known of it (for we must plead total ignorance of anything concerning it), every rsensible Irishman must stigmatise as .discreditable and mischevioua, as it is •hopeless and absurd. We sincerely trust our follow townsmen will not interpret any little display of •nationality on the part of Irishmen, such .-as ushering in St. Patrick's Day with musical honors, as indicative of a Fenian in our midst; for we are perfectly satisfied our countrymen in Otago •are far too sensible to think that-, any acts -of theirs in this distant,. Colony can • benefit Ireland. They will only recollect -that here we are all equal—all have •.equal rights and privileges ; that we are ■ all New Zealanders ; and that our •■energies should be devoted to making •ourselves and neighbors comfortable and •happy, and our adopted country prosperous, ever bearing in mind, that ■"Justice consists in doing injury to no •man," decency in giving them no offence. ■ —We are, &c., Charles S. Reeves. Miohael Murphy. Dunedin, Ofcago, N.Z., January 20th, 18G8.

-J. F. M'Guire, Esq., M.P., Sir—A'few Irishmen in this tho moat distant of Britain's Colonies, hearing of the -destitution existing amongst the wives and families of those of our unfortunate countrymen, the Irish Political Prisoners, now suffering the doom of felons, hasten, with feelings of true frish Rympathy, to offer aid and ■ alleviate their sufferings, with a subscription of money collected amongst ourselves and fellow-colonists of every creed and country ;n this, one of the most prosperous Provinces •of the British possess ons; and that the money so collected may be properly distributed amoag those whoso necessities wo desire to relieve, the Committee have deputed us, as Treasurers of the Fund, to remit the monoy at present in hand fri yoursolf and I he O'Donoghue, M. P.. as co-trustees. We now take that liberty, and beg herewith to hand you second of exchange (first forwarded to ; your co-trustee) on the Bank of Ireland, for • the sum of L'2SO sterling; this Ix-mg the iirst moiety of the collection which, by desire of the subscribers, we beg you will pay m su<Ji a manner and to whom you and your cotrustee may think proper. In conclusion. Sir, whilst we do not countenance or agree with the means resorted to by those misguided men (for what they no doubtihought would benefit their country) as at all proper or politic, as Irishmen wo cannot but feel that Ireland and the lri«h people are suffcrmg under grievances and unjust laws; and it is our fervent hope that the British. Government will give consideration, and such measures of n form in the laws as will effectually ameliorate too c -ntlition of Ireland and the Irish people, ere loyalty be alienated from the hearts ot all true Irishmen over tho world. Requesting you will give publicity to tlie •enclosed list of subscribers, and acknowledge receipt of draft at your onrly convenience. We are Sir, yours mo&t faitMuUy, C. S. Bkrves, Hon. Treasurers. M. Munray,