BLENHEIM.

New Zealand Tablet, Volume XIII, Issue 41, 5 February 1886, Page 17

BLENHEIM.

(From an occasional Correspondent.) 25th January, 1886. The action of the Irish Bishops in entrusting the Home Rule members with the interesting battle for educational rights, has inspired many with confidence who up to that time looked rather doubtful as to the motives of tbe agitation. Such unbounded confidence on the part of tbe Bishops ought to be a sufficient inducement for all lovers of liberty an * educational rights, for all who have tasted the sweetness of Home Bale in the Colonies, to support the hon-st, manly agitation now going on at Home. On the 4th October Jast a meeting was convened and presided over by the Bey. Father Lewis, who explained to all present tbe object of the meeting. He told them that all Irishmen, no matter in what part of the world their lot was cast, were appealed to ; that America, Australia and many parts of New Zealand had generously responded to the call, and that those of Blenheim should also be up and doing to second the efforts and self-sacrifice of tbe noble band of patriots who led their followers on to certain victory — to the acquisition of that for which their fathers fought and died— liberty, precious liberty, to frame their own laws and govern themselves as we do in this our adopted country. Amongst the subscribers are found tbe names of Joseph Ward, Esq., Thomas Redwood, Esq. Charles Redwood, Esq., (brothers of the Bishop of Wellington), men who are thoroughly English, but always ready to acknowledge and support the just claims of the Irish nation. Joseph Ward, Esq., delivered an eloquent speech in support of the cause of Home Rule and religious education ; there was not one in the assembly, he said, who sympathised more with Ireland than he did. He informed the meeting that be had on many occasions experienced the pleasure of listening to the first great agitator, the immortal Daniel O'Connell, whilst he pleaded the cause of Ireland before an English audience— that he had listened to her many grievances and kdeeires, but in vain longed to see them redressed. Attempts had been made to restore to Ireland her rights, hut failure in these attempts had often brought calamity upon the Irish people. Many honest and sympathising friends of Ireland looked on at the Home Rule movement and asked themselves : " Is this movement to end, like so many others, in defeat and still greater hardships ?" Anxious to ameliorate tbe condition of Ireland, they stood hesitating lest they should aid the cause of Ireland's enemies ; bat now they need no longer hesitate. They were assured by the voice of tbe action of a body of men who might be equalled but certainly not surpassed by any other in the world for their sense of justice, prudence, religion and

patriotism ; they were assured that the cause was one'to which no man need blush to subscribe his name. Mr. J. Morrison also, in a lengthy speech, showed the reasons for supporting the agitation for Home Bale, and quoted freely from the Press in corroboration of the views which he advanced. On the whole the meeting was a very peaceful and socoessful one.