ARCHBISHOP MANNIX.

Timaru Herald, Issue 170295, 13 August 1920, Page 7

ARCHBISHOP MANNIX.

A POLITICAL INTERVIEW.

RECRUITING for late war,

By Electric Telegraph—Copyright. Australian and NZ. Cabl u A Wa . . , LONDON, Aug. 10. In an interview Dr Mannix stated: '•I am an Australian citizen who wishes to visit his native land after seven years spent in Australia. 1 thought it. my duty as Archbishop of Melbourne to stand by the weak against the strong. I Vas therefore compelled to use my influence on behalf of the workers, thus my name became associated with Labour politics. Australian volunteers did more than, their share to -win the war." "Were you then' in favour of recruiting and volunteering ?" "1 asked 110 man to go; I asked no man to stay."

CRITICISES MR HUGHES

Dr Mannix assailed Mr Hughes as defeated and discredited. "He is feeling nervous because he is losing hold 011 office."

"Do you contemplate taking part in political agitation?" "I have no;plans." "Have you seen Mr Hughes's statement that your return to Australia may be difficult?"

"\es, but I am bound to return to Australia. Mr Hughes is not my ecclesiastical superior." Dr Mannix deplored Irish crime, but it was political. The Irish people were the most crimeless in the world.

STANDS FOR IRISH REPUBLIC,

Dr Mannix further stated that the Irish Republic is already in existence, and nothing would alter it esceut a change of opinion among the Irish themselves, "iiou English people seem, to agree that if Ireland asks for Dominion home rule it should be granted. It seems to follow logically that if lrcand asks for a Republic she is entitled to have it. Xhe English say they cannot allow Ireland to be independent for strategical reasons. Germany might have said the same tiling about Belgium. Russia might say ihe same tiling about Poland. Apparently some people in England thmli the principle of self-determination, should apply to our enemies but not to friends." FILMED EOR THE SCREEN. . Dr Mannix, "wearing his episcopal robes and a scarlet cap, posed i'or a cinema in the garden of tne Nazareth House, and walKed backward aud forward with a stately bearing. .Bishop Vauglian remarked: "This will be a good picture for Australia and America." MANY VISITORS. An unending stream of callers interviewed Dr Mannix all day long. A crowd assembled in the evening outside Nazareth House. Dr Mannix delivered an address, concluding with, a blessing and an appeal to disperse quickly. Tlie Archbishop of Perth arrived from Paris, ind proceeded directly to greet Dr Mannix at Hammersmith. It- is understood that Dr Mannix will rtmain at Hammersmith, resting for a few days. His next move is the closest secret. Detectives are teeping th closest watch ouitside the convent. Tlie "Star" says that Dr Mannix has taken legal advice concerning nossible proceedings against the Government for preventing him from landing in Ireland. AN AMERICAN PROTEST. NW~YOEK, Aug. 11. A mass meeting of protest against the removal of Archbishop Mannix from the steamer Baltic is called for Sunday in Madison Square Garden, New York.