THE QUESTION OF IRISH LOYALTY.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 18198, 19 March 1921, Page 6

THE QUESTION OF IRISH LOYALTY.

TO THE EDITOR. Sir, —So- the Empire National Anthem was not rendered at St. Patrick’s concert on Thursday evening, but what may be regarded as the Irish National Anthem (“GJod Save Ireland”) was given in its stead. And this in an intensely loyal community 1 This is not the first time loyal British subjects have thus been insulted. At the jubilee of the opening of the Dominican Convent Schools, held in Dunedin recently, St. Joseph’s School was decorated with flags, amongst which was the flag of the Irish Republic, with the letters “ 1.R.” boldly appearing. No British national flag there. If anyone doubts this, let him see tho illustrations appearing in the Otago Witness of February 15. How long are the big majority of the people of this city—and, indeed, of this dominion—going to tolerate these insults? W e loyal Protestants number six to one of Roman Catholics, and yet we allow these stabs at the Empire to pass without notice. I am no advocate of Might being Right, and if the Catholics have a good case, give them fair play • but if they have a bad case, as they have here, give them no quarter. Let them see that this disloyalty will not be tolerated. If they are not satisfied -with the British flag, lei them establish a do- * minion of their otyi on White Island (off St. Clair) or some other such place whore they will be at liberty to plant the Irish Republic flag and sing tho Irish National Anthem to their heart’s content. There is no room in New Zealand for disloyalists. The big majority of us, stand for tho British Empire, and as patriotic subjects we should on every ; occasion resent anything which savours of disloyalty. We are too nambypamby in dealing with these matters.—l am, etc., .Patriot.

, Sm, —The concert held in—of all places— His Majesty’s Theatre lost night was a direct stigma on the Dunedin people who recently showed their love and loyalty to our young Prince. The meeting offered a gratuitous insult to his royal father the King, and apparently it was loyal only to the, Pope. I hope the loyal citizens of Dunedin will hold another meeting and send an, unanimous message of loyalt-*-, to the King. Apropos of self-determination, when the Gladstone Government was legislating for the benefit of Ireland, the horrible Phoenix Park murders took place. That the Rev. Howard Elliott is the right man in the right place is amply proved by the abuse he is getting and the spleen and venom displayed towards him. I love the-loyal Irish, of whom, thank God, there are many in the dominion, but I have nb time for men and women who applaud the - horrible crimes how being enacted in unhappy Ireland.— I am, etc., Peak God, Love the Brotherhood, •Honour the King.