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New Zealand Tablet, Volume XI, Issue 2, 4 May 1883, Page 25

The resignation of Mr. Healy, M.P., for Wexford, on his going to prison was rather an unusual thing, and many were unable to see the real meaning ot it. Among those who were puzzled by the act were Mr. Healy's own constituents in Wexford. They were justly proud of having as their representative one of the ablest men in the House of Commons, and on hearing of his resignation they held a meeting to consider the matter. The following resolution was proposed by the Mayor of Wexford and carried with enthusiasm :—": — " That while we once more reiterate our entire approval of every public act of our faithful representative, and unhesitatingly condemn tbe petty tyranny of British officialism in sending him to a prison cell, we would strenuously enjoin Mr. Healy to retain his Parliamentary % Beat during his incarceration, even were his incarceration tenfold increased ; and we decline to accept his resignation." Mr. Healy was deeply touched by this expression, and sent word to his constituents that he did not wish to resign the representation of Wexford ; that it was the proudest day of his life when the men of Wexford took him up, an untried man, and elected him as their representative ; but it was not to individuals they were to look ; they must strengthen, not weaken the hands of the Irish Parliamentary party. Mr. Serton, speaking for Mr. Healy told the Wexford people that the Government must see that every cell they fill with an Irish member will result in the immediate election of another representative of the same principles. The men of Wexford saw the point, and consented, on the understanding, however, that no man would be accepted, temporarily or otherwise, to succeed Mr. Healy, without having previously received the approval of Mr. Parnell.— Pilot. The growth of the English colonies and their relation to the Imperial Government were the questions discussed by Sir Alexander Gait (who represents Canada in England) recently, before a distinguished audience at Edinburgh. He asked bis hearers to consider that the British Empire covered 8,000,000 square miles of the earth's surface, and was inhabited by 241,000,000 people, governed by 35,000,000 in the British Islands, and 10,000,000 of the same race in other lands which England owns. These colonies contribute to the empire 184,000,000 pounds sterling ; but their great value lies in furnishing a field for immigrants. If these colonies, said Sir Alexander, become lost to Great Britian, they can never be recovered ; and even now, while they are thoroughly loyal, they feel that the empire takes too little interest in their welfare and is largely ignorant of their condition and needs. They feel a sense of isolation and realize that, while the more important of them enjoy self-government they have no share in the government of the empire, no vpice in questions of peace or war which affect their interests, directly oy indirectly. .In considering the necessity of extending self -govern' ment to these colonies, Sir Alexander Gait said :—": — " Ireland's demand must be considered ; for quietness and prosperity there is of importance to Canada, the greatest of the colonies, which contains a population of 1,000,000 Irishmen,- and borders upon a country containing 7,000,000 more men who sympathise so clotely with their uneasy fellows at home that uprisings of more consequence than Fenian raids are possible." The stern truth that Ireland must be allowed to look after its own affairs, is being gradually impressed upon the more thoughtful minds amongst Englishmen. — Pilot,