FATHER O'DONNEIL'S TRIAL

Waikato Times, Volume 91, Issue 14229, 2 December 1919, Page 5

FATHER O'DONNEIL'S TRIAL

EVIDENCE AT COURT-MARTIAL.

ACCUSED DENIES ALLEGATIONS.-

TESTIMONY AS- TO LOYALTY

(Australian and N.Z. Cable Assn.) Received December 1,- 5.5 p.m. LONDON, Dec. 30.

At Father Q'Donndil's trial LordKenmare gave evidence that he met Father O'Donnell on his domain in Killarney on- October 10. Accused referred to his work for conscription in Australia and staled that he was a personal friend of Mr Hughes. Father O'Donnell. was perfectly sober. Mr Marsh, a commercial traveller, who is slightly deaf, gave evidence that he met Father O'Donnell at an- hotel and conversed with him at dinner. Father O'Donnell deplored the condition of the Clanricardc estate in Galway compared with 14 years ago, and said that Lo.d Clanricarde and his class we;.. .... use to this or any other country, referring to the railway strike, he said that Mr Lloyd George got a lot of credit for the settlement, but he knew that King George, not Lloyd George, deserved the credit. On Mr Marsh referring to the Australians, accused said, "We came to fight for Australia, the Empire and all the small nations of the earth. It would have been a had day for Australia if Germany won, as she would have done had it not been for Australia." Lieutenant Chambers at uij/s point Interrupted', and Father O'Donnell replied, "Get away and mind your own damned business." Clarke said this was not a political house. Witness did not remember Father O'Donnell's reply. Later he said to witness, "What Jo you think of that impertinent brat?" Witness said, "I was surprised you did not strike him."

Witness said he retired later and did not see Father O'Donnell again until today. He denied that Father O'Donnell said that 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 the strike would be the commencement of a revolution, etc. Father O'Donnell was quite sober and calm.

In cross-examination the witness said he recalled the conversation when lie heard that Father O'Donnell had been arrested, but was surprised !o learn that his arrest was connected with their conversation, of which he heard every word. Father O'Donnell in evidence stated that he joined tbe forces in 1917, after an earlier rejection on medical grounds. He took a keen interest in the war from the outbreak and participated in all patriotic movements, being chairman of several committees lor raising monev. He ' supported conscription when' he learned from Mr Hughes the urgency of the situation. Accused produced Australian newspapers with reference to his work, and said he always joined in the National Anthem, even in church. During the Prince of Wales' visit to France he had the honour of proposing his toast, and he chatted with the Prince about Australia. He attended Sir William Birdwood's farewell dinner, and added, "I think we Australians have a good deal of cheek and I asked the Prince to sign my dinner card and he complied. Witness said he did not preftmd to be teetotal. He had a small glass of wine at three in the afternoon of October 10, and walked to Kenmare. Afterwards he returned to the hotel and conversed with Marsh across the table. He indignantly denied that be used the words alleged. He recalled the conversation as outlined by Marsh. He intended his reference to the King regarding the settling of the railway 'strike as a compliment by warding off what might have been a terrible disaster.

Father. O'Donnell denied that he had mentioned the Sinn Fein or its growth in Australia or otherwise. He admitted that he told Lieut. Chambers to mind his own business, but did not remember saying "damned business"; but he ought to have said it. The President suppressed the laughter and threatened to clear the court. Accused described the barracks where he was ■ imprisoned as dirty, while the blankets smelt badly and were unusable. There' was no fire, despite the cold. The authorities refused to send to.his hotel for his bag containing medicine, and refused' to allow him to communicate with his friends. Sentries with fixed bayonets were placed outside the door of his room.

Sir A. H. Bodkin closely cross-ex-amined Father O'Donnell with reference to his alleged seditious statements. Accused said'he had been an Irish Na- , tionalist ever since he could think of, • but he did not believe in complete independence. He did not agree with the sentiments which the prosecution alleged he expressed. I Replying to the president, he said lie was never under the influence of ■ liquor in his life. Several witnesses gave evidence regarding Father O'Donnell's loyalty, including Mr Lucas, acting Agent-General for Tasmania, who said Father O'Don- ' nell had resigned his charge and placed his services at the disposal of the Com- . monwealth 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, said lie ibelieved -Father O'Donnell got more recruits than any clergyman of any denomination.

The court deliberated for an hour and three-quarters. The crowded court loudly cheered the verdict of not guilty, and many friends congratulated Father O'Donnell.