FENIANISM ON THE WEST COAST.

Taranaki Herald, Volume XVI, Issue 821, 18 April 1868, Page 1 (Supplement)

FENIANISM ON THE WEST COAST.

For some time past tho Government has watched with anxiety the proceedings of the Fenians on the West Coast of the Middlo Island. A newspaper — the N. Z. Cclt — has been published for some months past, advocating undying hate to the English nation as a duty of Irishmen, and republishing the suggestions of American Fenians for reprisal committees of a few of the determined men acting independently to avenge, when and how they can, the deaths of Larkin and his companions. On Sunday, the 15th, a funeral procession of 850 persons — incited and headed by Father Ln-kin, n Catholic priest, in full canonicals — took place at Hokitika, in* honor of the Manchester murderers, or "martyrs," and a cross wns erected iy the cemetery, in spite of the authorities. The gates, which hod been locked, were taken off their hinges. Bishop Viard, of Wellington, in vain interposed to check Father Larkin in his action. Since then the local magistrates have been in communication with the Government in Wellington as to the step 9to be taken to meet so formidable an organisation. Sufficient uncertainty existed as to the public feeling to justify great caution. The news of the attempt on Prince Alfred atonco determined the authorities that the terrorism which had been exercised could not be longer tolerated. On Thursday and Friday great enthusiastic loyal meetings took place, and a number of Fenians mustered in arms to protect the memorial cross and the office of tho N. Z. Celt. The cross was, however, removed and destroyed on Thursday night, nnd the Government forbad its reereotion in the cemetery. On Saturday morning Fathor Larkin and Mr. Manning, the editor of the N. Z. Celt, were arrested on a charge of seditious libel, nnd Barret, Melody, and another on charge of riot. At the hour of the latest telegram previous to the * Taranaki* leaving Nelson, all was quiet. Father Larkin having definitely repudiated Bishop Viard's authority, bis brother priests and all sober catholics had acquiesced iv his arrest. The prisoners were remanded till Monday, and would probably be committed for trial at Nelson or Wellington. About 1,000 special constables had been sworn in at Hokitika to support the Magistrates, a division of the Armed Constabulary had been sent for from Patea, and arms had been sent for the Volunteers at Hokitika. It is probable these measures will ensure peace. Nevertheless, H.fil.S. ' Falcon,' with a company of the Royal Irish will leave to-morrow to reinforce the authorities, and convince the disturbers of the peace that there is no prospect of thejjrbeing sillowed to carry on their career of "sedition and intimidation. — Evening News.