HOME RULE.

Taranaki Herald, Volume LX, Issue 143763, 11 April 1912, Page 3

HOME RULE.

UNIONIST DEMONSTRATION. ENTHUSIASM IN ULSTER. By Electric Telegraph.—Copyright. LONDON, April TO. The Home Rule protest procession included 140,000 members of clubs and lodges, and was three miles long. The route was crowded with spectators. The Primate’s prayers for the protection of true religion were followed by the singing of “Oh God Our Help.” Then Sir Edward Carson asked 1 the meeting to hold up their hands in solemn affirmation that never under any circumstances would they have Homo Rule. The meeting replied in the affirmative. After unfurling an immense Union Jack the crowd uncovered and sang the National Anthem.

Mr. Bonar Law said there was no hope of a majority of the House of Commons breaking down. The Government, he said, had turned the House of Commons into a market place, but were unable to sell Ulster, which held the key to the position. The whole history of the modern world was a movement towards closer union, while Great Britain, which was the empire builder of the world, was asked to begin disintegration. The Unionist policy was to restore land purchase and develop the resources of Ireland. There was a renewed ovation to Mr. Bonar Law on his returning to Belfast. Speaking from the deck of the steamer, he declared that if Home Rule were forced through, “Gold help Ulster, but heaven help the Government.”