O'DONNELL COURTMARITIAL.

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume LXXIV, Issue 17730, 2 December 1919, Page 5

O'DONNELL COURTMARITIAL.

FURTHER EVIDENCE FOR THE PROSECUTION.

Received 5.5 p.m., Dec. 1. LONDON, Nov. 27

At the O'Donnell trial. Lord Kenmare gave evidence that he met O'Donnell on his domain in Killarney on October 10th. Accused referred to his work for conscription in Australia. He stated that he was a personal friend of Mr Hughes. O'Donnell was perfectly sober. Marsh, a commercial traveller, slightly deaf, gave evidence that he met O'Donnell in an hotel and conversed with him at dinner. O'Donnell deplored the condition of the Clandicarde Estate in Gahvay compared with fourteen years ago. Lord Clandicarde and his class were no use to this or any other country. Referring to the railway strike, he said Mr Lloyd George got a lot of credit for. the settlement, but he knew King George., not ♦ Lloyd George, deserved the credit. On Marsh referring to the Australians, the accused said: "We came to fight for Australia and the , Empire and all small nations. It would have been a bad day for Australia if Germany had won, as she would have done if it had not been for Australia."

Chambers at this. point interrupted and O'Donnell relied: "Get away; mind your own damned business."

Clarke said this was not a "political house. Witness didn't remember O'Donnell's reply. The latter said to him: "What do you think of that impertinent Witness said: "I was surprised you did not strike him." Witness retired later. He did not see O'Donnell again until to-day.

Marsh denied that O'Donnell said the satellites of King George were filling their pockets, etc., or that their Majesties were unpopular in this or any country, or that he hoped a strike would be the commencement of a revolution, etc. O'Donnell was quite sober and calm.

THE CASE FOR THE DEFENCE,

Cross-examined, witness recalled the converastion when he heard O'Donnell was arrested but was surprised to learn that the arrest was connected with the conversation whereof he heard every word.

O'Dounell, in evidence, stated that he joined the forces in'l9l7 after earlier rejection on medical grounds. He took a keen interest in the war from the outbreak and participated in all patriotic movements. He was chairman of several committees for raising money. He supported conscription when he heard from Mr Hughes of the urgency of the situation. Accused produced Australian newspapers with reference to his work. He said he always joined in the National Anthem, even in church. During the Prince of Wales' visit to France he lad the honour of proposing a toast. He chatted with the Prince about Australia. He attended Sir W. Birdwood's farewell din- j ner. He added: "I think we ~Aus- j tralians have a good deal of cheek, and I asked the Prince to sign the dinner card. He complied." Witness did not pretend to be a teetotaller. He had a small glass of wine at three* in the afternoon of' October 10th. He walked to Kenmaer and afterwards returned to the hotel and conversed with Marsh across the table. He indignantly denied that he used the word^»alleged. He recalled the conversation as outlined by Marsh. He intended the reference to the King' regarding the settling of the strike as a compliment, as warding off what might have been a terrible disaster. O'Donnell denied that he mentioned the Sinn Fein and the condition of its growth in Australia or otherwise. He j admitted he told Chambers to mind his own business. He didn't remember "damned business," but oughtto have said it.

The President suppressed laughter and threatened to clear the Court if it was repeated.

The accused described the barracks where he was imprisoned. Dirty blankets smelt badly and were unusuable. There was no fire, despite the cold. The authorities refused to send to the hotel for accused's bag containing medicine. They refused communication with friends. Sentries with fixed bayonets stood outside the door of his room.

Mr Bodkin closely cross-enamined O'Donnell with reference to the alleged seditious statements. Accused said he had been an Irish Nationalist ever since he could think. He did not believe" in complete independence. He did not agree with the sentiments which the prosecution alleged he expressed.

Replying to the Present, O'Donnell said he was never under the influence of liq.uor in his life.

Several witnesses gave evidence in regard to G'Donnell's loyalty, including Mr Lucas, Acting AgentGeneral for Tasmania, who said O'Donnell resigned his charge and placed his services at the disposal of the Commonwealth as a soldier, and assisted in the conscription campaign. He was loyal in every respect.

Lady McCall described him as a thoroughly loyal son of the Empire.

Lieutenant Marriott an Australian who lost his sight in the war. believed O'Donnell got more recruits than any clergyman of any-^ denomination. "