BISHOP LISTON’S SPEECH.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 16735, 17 May 1922, Page 8

BISHOP LISTON’S SPEECH.

charge of sedition. EVIDENCE FOR THE DEFENCE. (Per Press Association.) The charge of sedition (against Bishop Liston was resumed to-day. Dean Liston, parish priest, gave evidence that he heard th© speech in question. It did not give him the impression of suggesting disorder, disloyalty or sedition. The Bishop mentioned the names of several of those who had died for Ireland, and mentioned others, without giving any name, who had died in several ways. The last on the list, he said, were those killed by foreign troops. Witness understood the reference was particularly to tf-hre© priests who were alleged to have been murdered by auxiliaries in Ireland* Tt had no reference at all* in witness’s mind, to the 1916 Eavster rising. Mt Hall Skelton, a solicitor, describing himself as an Anglican, referred to a conversation he had had with Bishop Liston before tbe speech in question was delivered. Mr Meredith objected that this was irrevelerit, as thnt. interview must have occurred seven months ago. His Honor said he had serious doubts about the admissibility of this as evidence, but he preferred to admit it rather than exclude it when it might throw light on the issue. The witness said he was delivering a series of lectures in the country. Bishop Liston said he should be careful not to say anything likely to cause friction between the different sections of the community. Witness denied that the Bishop had sent for him because he was getting over the edge in his (Skelton's} town hall speech.

James O’Brien, a timber merchant, said thnt from a personal interview with Bishop Liston, he was convinced Bishop Liston was as loyal as himself, and* a strong supporter of Irish free rul<S. This closed the case for the defence Counsel is now addressing the Court.