DR LISTON’S SPEECH

Otago Daily Times, Issue 18510, 22 March 1922, Page 5

DR LISTON’S SPEECH

MORE OPPOSITION. NO RIGHT TO TALK TREASON. (Fbom Odb Own Coebespondent.) CHRISTCHURCH. March 21. Commenting on Bishop Liston’s speech the Sun to-nignt says it is always a mistake to take Irishmen seriously, but unfortunately a large number ot people do so, and Dr Liston nas no right to complain if nonCatholic members of the community proceed on the assumption that he intended them to take him seriously. He occupies an> official position, and he spoke publicly and doubtless with a lull knowledge that his remarks would be published for the information of the world at large. In tne circumstances it is not surprising that there should be a chorus of indignation resounding tliroughout tne dominion, ihe rebellion ol 1916 was largely the fruit of Irish oratory, which inflamed the passions of an Irish mob, and spurred them to deeds of the blackest treachery and, dishonour. Iho brand of Cain is imprinted equally on the brows of the orators who killed the English with their mouths, and the misguided fools who listened to them and took up arms against ttie Crown at a time when England and the rest of the Empire were fighting for liberty. Even if the Irish perish in regarding tne treaty is a gif t from the Greeks, and are determined to maintain a condition of turmoil in Ireland, tfiat was no reason why they should sow the seeds of dissension in New Zealand by grossly outraging the feelings of the people m this country, the majority of whom liave lost interest in the Irish question, and no longer care very much what happens to the Irish to-day. The Irish have alienated colonial opinion, and outside the Hibernian and extreme labour organisations all sympathy is with Great Britain There is a growing conviction that many generations must elapse before Ireland really enjoys peace, because the Irish won’t have it at any price. We suggest to Bishop Liston and others of Irish extraction, if they are not content to respect the flag that shelters them, and behave as, loyal citizens in New Zealand, they should return to Ireland and participate in the fray. Meanwhile the Government has a duty to perform in the matter. There is & law on the Statute Book regarding sedition, and Bishop 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. POPULAR OUTBURST. MR GUNSON GIVEN AN OVATION. (Pu Ditw Psass Association.t AUCKLAND, March 21. A large audience assembled m the Town Hall to hear an address by Bishop Locke. On Mr Gunson rising to introduce the bishop the audience made a remarkable demonstration, rising and cheering him for some minutes. Mr Gunson said ho took this as an impersonal tribute to the attitiffie he had taken up towards recent seditious statements, and as an expression of the support of the citizens. MR GUNSON SUPPORTED. AUCKLAND, March 21. The Hospital Board and the Harbour Board carried resolutions approving of the Mayor’s action in regard to Bishop Liston’s speech. An Orange resolution has also been forwarded to Mr Gunson. HIBERNIAN SOCIETY SUPPORTS THE BISHOP. AUCKLAND, March 21. No. B 1 branch of the Hibernian Socdetv passed a resolution whole-heartedly con domning the attacks on Bishop Liston, extending him warmest appreciation, and unbounded and unalterable confidence. ACTION IN DUNEDIN. MR GUNSON’S ACTION APPROVED. In tho name of ita officers and members. Royal Black Preceptory, No. 670, Dunedin, has written to the Mayor of Auckland expressing their pleasure that his Worship “so represents the people of his city and 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 his prompt action “on the pedestal of a man who would dare to come out in the interests of freedom, liberty, and loyalty.” “We thank you," the letter says,. “for your castigation of a man who, though a bishop of the Roman Catholic Church, and whose people enjoy the protection of our Union Jack, has thought fit to offer offence to every loyal subject of our Most Gracious Majesty the King by insulting our flag. We assure you, Sir, of our appreciation of your promptitude and of our whole-hearted support in any action you may take in upholding the integrity of our British Em pire.” METHODIST COUNCIL'S ATTITUDE • The following resolution was unanimously carried at a meeting of the Dunedin Methodist Council held last evening: That this Council of Dunedin Method ■ ists expresses its sincere approbation 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. Wo 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.