MEETING OF IRISHMEN IN DUNEDIN.

New Zealand Tablet, Volume XIII, Issue 2, 1 May 1885, Page 17

MEETING OF IRISHMEN IN DUNEDIN.

(From the Otago Daily Mines.') A very large and enthusiastic meeting.was held last (Wednesday) evening in the Batlray street Hall to take steps to form an Irish Volunteer Corps. The hall was crowded, and when the proceedings began there were about 250 or 300 people present. Mr. J. B Callan was called to the chair.

The Chairman, in stating the object of the meeting, said he was inclined to agree with those who said it was unlikely that the Russians would attempt a landing here. ■ At the same time they would be less likely to carry out any such intention when it was shown that all classes o£ this community were prepared to give them a warm reception.— (Cheers). There were strong and growing objections to calling out the Militia, and it was obvious that any increase in the Volunteer force would render it less necessary to call out the Militia. He was glad to see such a crowded and enthusiastic meeting to-night He knew that Irishmen would not be behind other sections of the community in unholding the common cause— (applause),— and that they would be ready and willing to take their part in the discomforts, expenses, and, if need be, the dangers of war. Some people might ask why establish a Scotch corps, an Irish corps, or any distinctive corps at all ? Why not join the Volunteer corps already established • He would say that they should have as many distinctive corps as possible, as it would tend to generate a spirit of emulation and worthy rivalry as to which would do best if war did break out.— (Applause.) In the British army such distinctive corps had always existed, calling forth a healthy spirit of emulation to do the best, not only for the cause for which they were fighting, but for the country they each (Applause). Mr. T. Bracken moved the following resolution— " That this meeting is of opinion that a corps consisting of Irishmen and the sons of Irishmen should be at once formed to take part in the defence of the Colony, and to perform any other military duties for which occasion may now or hereafter arise." In supporting the resolution he said that wherever Irishmen lived in the enjoyment of the blessings of free institutions they were always ready in the hour of c anger to* defend them. Great Britain and Ireland had many political differences in time of peace, but in time of war, when they were threatened by a common enemy, the sons of both countries would be found standing shoulder to shoulder fighting in the common cause — . (Cheers.)

Mr. Fagan seconded the motion, which was carried unanimously Mr, John Carroll moved the next resolution, as follows :— •" 1 hat a committee be formed — consisting of Messrs J. P. Sprine W G NpIH T. S. Graham, J. Carroll, J. B. Callan, T. Bracken, J. F. Perrin.and C. S. Reeyes-for the purpose of carrying out all the measures necessary for the formation of an Irish corps, receiving the names of J

those willing to join, giving n title, to the regiment, and generally' attending to all tbat is required in the matter." Mr. J. J. Connor seconded the motion, which was agreed to unanimously.

The names of those willing to join were then taken, 189 of those present, coming forward for the purpose. The members of St. Patrick's Brass Band have offered their services to the corps when formed.