THE QUESTION OF LOYALTY

Otago Daily Times, Issue 22025, 7 August 1933, Page 9

THE QUESTION OF LOYALTY

TO THE EDITOR. Sin, —Before this correspondence is closed also, I should like to be permitted to reply to a champion signing himself “Taranaki.” and who has made a-spiteful and abusive attack on me because I openly asserted that Roman Catholic institutions should be udder Government inspection, as any other decent institution is. Evidently I have*hit a bull’s-eye. "Taranaki ” seems to be terribly agitated about the matter, but if there is nothing in my statement, a s he tries'- hard to make believe there is not, why does he need to raise such a du«t about it? ' Then he states that perhaps I am not very good at explaining what I mean, but “Taranaki ” knows too well what I meant, and consequently we receive his windy epistle designed to raise a huge dust to cover up things.

“ Taranaki ” goes on to say that he knows several intellectual men who have turned to the Roman Catholic faith, but that is absolutely no comparison to the countless millions who, through the Godsent Reformation, broke away from that religion for freedom of worship, more light, and liberty. More recent still we have Spain and Mexico coming out in revolt to free themselves from the bondage to gain their freedom as the Reformers did. “ Taranaki ” states that all Roman Catholics are loyal to their country if they practise their religion faithfully. I should like to ask him if those young priests in a college in the North Island who recently passed strong resolutions that New Zealand should break away from the Empire were practising their, religion faithfully? I read in a Roman Catholic press that. same priests strongly supported Mr de Valera, wno, in reply to a question whether the Irish had desired a German victory in the Great War, said on February 1, 1920: “ There can be but one answer. As tar as England is concerned the Irish people wished and hoped that Germany might win the war. . . . Centuries ago we joined the Spanish when they made war upon England. For 100 years we supported the French in their war, to destroy her. We shall do the same’ thing next time she is attacked. We always wish to see that Imperial tryrant beaten.” When persons support men like Mr de Valera, who is out to wreck the Empire, they should he deported from the Empire. Mr de Valera would rather go to Rome to be honoured by the Pope than go to England to be honoured by our King. , . „ .. Even if. as “Taranaki’ says, the Roman Catholic Churches are uncomfortably full on Sundays, I wonder how many in the congregations read and study the Bible for themselves. If I had been writing this 400 years ago it would not have been published, and I would have been beheaded or burned at the stake without any trial or hesitation, as countless thousands were who fought hard to give us the freedom we enjoy to-day.* We cannot help but praise God for giving us Luther and the Reformation. and also our good King whom we arc all steadfastly loyal to.—l am, etc., A - R ’

[We have found it necessary to excise some passages from the above letter, since they would open ground that was not the subject of reference in the correspondence which is now closed. —Ed. O.D.T.]

LADIES’ HOCKEY DANCE There was a large attendance at the weekly dance of the North Otago Ladies Hockey Association, held in the Ribble Street Hall on Saturday night. A very enjoyable time was' spent, and the programme of old and new dances met with general approval. Excellent music, supplied by Rae’s Orchestra, added to the success of the evening, and supper was . also provided. The Monte Carlo was won by Miss G. Cameron and partner. Mr H. W. Thomas carried out the duties of M.C. ACCIDENT AT GLENAVY It was reported, on inquiry at the Oamaru Public Hospital yesterday, that there is a slight improvement in the condition of Mr Thomas Devlin, who received severe injuries wheq a rake of trucks passed over his leg at Glenavy.