WELLINGTON.

New Zealand Tablet, Volume XXI, Issue 5, 18 November 1892, Page 13

WELLINGTON.

(From our own Correspondent.) A PBOMIKINT labour man at the Rigg banquet, the other night, being enthused with lemonade and admiration for Sir Bobert Stout, broke out into a disconnected laudation of the present eeoular system of education, the paternity of which ha attributed to Sir Bobert. It is gomewbat strange if the education system is all that which its admirers claim it to be, they are not able to demonstrate in their erudition, a more practical example of it* beneficent influence. The gallant, but radical Dunedin Knight took his pseudo-honour in silence, not wishing to deny it, lest his enemies might say that it was false modesty. But a local paper having not the fear of the withering ire of the ex-premier before its mind, hunted up, from thtir dusty beds, some old Hantardt, from which it was gleaned, that far from being any relation at all — not even a great-grand-uncle— to the Education Act, he was an opponent of it in its infancy, when the Hon. 0. 0. Bowen discovered it as a foundling, and pampered and petted it until it has grown to what it is at present— a spoiled child. It has been reported here that it is intended to contest the Ellesmere seat in Canterbury at the next election in the Liberal interest , no lets a person being named for that honour than Mr Montgomery, jnn, son of the Hon Mr Montgomery, lately called to the Upper House. What claim this yonng stripling, in the world of politics, should have on the intelligent and independent farmers of that district I have yet to learn, except that be is a son to his father, The Ohristchuroh Liberal paper tried for several years to foist Montgomeryj»gr« as the leader of the Liberal party, but as a politician his mediocrity was too pronounced to permit the perpetration of any such political job. Mr Montgomery has had very little claim on the goodwill of the Liberals of this Colony, as his views on the most prominent questions of recent years have been of a very colourless character. He has certainly held some advanced views on the land question, which are due to the fact of his North of Ireland birth, where he has seen some of the worst phases of the evils of landlordism. Mr Montgomery jilt, took his M.A. degree some years ago at Canterbury College, and then went home to study medicine. The elder gentleman has some ambition like your Dunedin Knight to be recognised as a sort of godfather to the present system of education, of which he is a vtry ardent admirer. Whether such a disposition on the part of the son wonld make him a persona grata to the Catholic electors of Ellesmere in the place of their tried and trusty supporter, Sir John Hill, remains to be seen. The chairman of the Benevolent Trustees at the last meeting stated that pauperism was on tha increase at a very rapid rate in this city, and that the demandß on the funds were growing. In fact, the expressive term which he used to express the state of affairs was that they were getting on at the rate of " knots." This is certainly an unpleasant and unexpected state for a new colony to be in. It will require £2000 more this year to meet the bare requirements of the demands made upoo. the Trustees than it did in the previous year. The Ministers deny this, and say that there is plenty of work for the unemployed, and the Bey H. Van Staveren has offered to find 200 men in the morning if the Labour Bureau will get them employment. He says that he never saw so much distress in Wellington. In a conversation which I had with him a few days ago he said that many of the religious denominations do a good deal towards assisting unobtrusive poverty here, more especially the Catholics, the ladies of the St Vincent de Paul Society coming in for special praise for their work of charity in alleviating the misery and the wretchedness of poor, Buffering humanity. There can be no donbt that there is a great amount of false poverty rampant, but over and above that, there is too much genuine want to contemplate with anything but feelings of indifference. November 12. The Wellington branch of the Irish National Federation held a social in the Bmk on Wednesday night for the purpose of raising funds to assißt the Irish Parliamentary Party, under Mr Justin McCarthy. The attendance was very large and a moßt enjoyable evening was spent. The Hon Dr Grace presided, and in opening the proceedings spoke as follows :—: — In the whole field of modern politics there does not exist a single question which has attracted more attention than Home Bule for Ireland. This does not arise so much from its intrinsic importance to the Irish people, as from the cemplexity of the isßues raised, and the seething passions wnich have always made of Ireland their cauldron for every form of experiment made by the governing classea in England in retrogressive politics. Let us view it as we may, EDgland is the birthplace of constitutional freedom— and has thus become the cynosure of all eyes. The prodigious struggle for constitutional freedom in her earlier history and revolutionary era, and the moderate use made of victory, gave her that pre-eminence which her literature entitled her to enjoy, and the singular iace mixture of her people guaranteed to her as a permanence — notwithstanding the extraordinary reaction which set in at the restoration of the monarchy, >and the practically autocratic rule of the Georges through their Parliamentary majo-

rities. It wu the fortune of Ireland to take the wrong tide in the last of then contests, though thoroughly loyal to her friends and logically right from her point of view. In spite of all this Ireland seized the skirts of freedom, when she had her own Parliament aad trained and armed her own people. It becamo clear to Lord Oastlereagh that soon Ire* land, the growth of whose manufactures excited more jealousy in England than the organisation of her forces, wonld cease to be a subject country— and this conviction lead to the greatest act of corruption ever practised by the British people in Europe, when they bought up with cash and titles the freedom of a whole people and reimbursed the English ex-chequer by raining Irish trade in the interest of English manufactures. Time rolled on— the Irish people became more and more wretched, till at length a man of genins in the person of Daniel O'Connell was sent as a prophet amongst them. He with the assistance of the evei memorable non-Conformists of England, struck off the first fetters from the limbs of the people, and the straggle for local government has been maintained ever since, and must go on, until it is conceded. Why f Because An outrageous crime against the liberties of the people was committed, which must be atoned for. Because the form of local government granted to the Irish was a perpetnation of, and as intolerable as the Feudal system. Because it is impossible with England so adjacent to govern a whole country on the rigid patriarchal system, even if honestly attempted. Because the whole civilised world has always cried out at the glaring contrast between England's profession of the propaganda of freedom, and her cruel repression of every noble aspiration in the sister isle. Because in the absence of lash and chain you can only govern through the confidence of the people, and unhappy England, blinded by her sin, cculd not see that by generous confidence bet goal would be gained,— only slaves being deceived by such poisoned guiles and flattery as have from time been offered in substitution for freedom. I pass over the various Parliamentary organisations formed for the attainment of local government for Ireland to sketch for yon the system of local government in Ireland. As my time is brief, I hasten to place before you the complexion of my own mind on this great subject. I have gazed often with sad, yet hopeful, longing through the vista of time towards the dawn of real freedom for this people, and I see it can only come through suffering. Moral strength, selfcontrol, earnestness, sincerity, devotedness, these form the strands which, woven together, make the hawser which binds a race to her heritage of freedom. I a9k yon now, as dispassionate observers, what race in the history of this globe has, as a nation, displayed these characteristics more markedly than the Irish people ? None, with the exceptioo of the Jews. From whence have they drawn the necessary strength ? From that source of the greatness of all peoplethat ioner fire which burns within them with undiminished vigour— the ideal life — the glowing furnace kindled by the breath of God, which aims at lofty standards, scorns in its soul all subjection to mere physical suffering and transmits its passion for freedom from sire to son, as the one germ strong enough to resist all perecution and secure the glory of the race. And now let us proceed to examine the causes which have led hitherto to the refusal of Home Rule. I was much struck when listening to an address delivered at the banquet given by the Trades and Labour Council to Mr Bigg, in which the declaration was made that even John Bright had bitterly resisted the shortening of the hours of labour for women and children, so con* cerned was he for the manufacturing interests of England. The same John Bright, alarmed for the same interests, opposed Home Bule, and Mr Chamberlain and his particular following, whilst they prate about the unity of the Empire, are in reality only thinking of their pockets. They are afraid an Irish Parliament would establish a protective tariff. It is easy to understand why the Conservatives proper oppose Home Bule. They have substantial interests at stake. Freedom in Ireland means the limitation of their sphere of patronage. The Irish landloids naturally fear Home Bule as they would an adjust* ment of the affairs of their consciences before' an omniscient Judge. Yet if they were wise and had political experience they would see that they can enjoy no security of tenure for their lands until tranquility it restored to the country. They are afraid to trust the people whom they have always cheapened in the British Parliament. They are both narrow and shallow in their political judgment at this crisis. Security of tenure and stability is as necessary to the cultivator of the soil as to the lord of the manor. Community of interest once established would reconcile their interests, and the general development of the wealth of the country would more than recompense them for their Bhare of the local taxation, from which they should never have been exempted . Now, I proceed to show you why Home Bule must be granted. An immense reaction against freedom, aptly called Jingoism, took place during Disraeli's last term of office. The counter reaction followed, and new developments of local government sprung out of this— the county system applied to London, for example; Englishmen who had groaned for years under the close borough municipal system began to understand by experienoe what Ireland demanded, and the advantage of and necessity for its concession. The spread of intelligence, and the alarm occasioned by Mr Disraeli's reactionary government induced the people in the three kingdom! to make common cause against aggression, when organised progression,

became their aim. They will proaeoute it to its legitimate goal, and Ireland will come in for its share of advancement. Probably nothing of late years has more alarmed free men in Great Britain than the encouragement Lord Salisbury, as Premier of England, held oat to Ulster to revolt against the laws of the Empire in case Home Bale was granted to Ireland. Speeches of that kind, made in passionate haste, are not forgotten as to their significance by intelligent people. They mean simply that Lord Salisbury, as far as he binds his party, is committed to go outside the law to punish the aspirations for freedom of the British people. They mean that he considers himself competent to decide the bounds of the freedom of the British people. Preposterous proposition I Pregnant in its meaning, most pernicious in its potentialities. Outside of Bngland there are forces in action rendering the concession of Home Bale not only politic, but necessary. Public opinion is now an immense factor. The whole educated world— such pert of it, at least, as is without bias— is with Ireland in her demand. The politics of America is so enormously disturbed by this question that America, with all her force, political and moral, insists on the concession. I had an important conversation with Mr Dana of the New York Sun on this subject. What is the cause of the antipathy of your public men to England 7 Is it that England has taken the whole of your maritime carrying business 7— No. The Canard Company pays a dividend of 5 per cent, to its shareholders. We can earn at least Bon oar capital. The rates of freight are very low. We could not carry our own freight as cheaply.— ls it to and so, or so and so 7— No. What is it then 7 Mr Dana finally replied : We are determined England shall take her foot ofl the neck of Ireland 1 I said— Quite so. That is, the Irish question disturbs the whole of your domestic politics. You have entered into a compact with the Irish people thatonce the Home Bule question is settled, they shall cease their agitation about Ireland, and become incorporated with the American people, and you know they mean to observe that compact. You know that there exist no foreign politici outside that question for you, and you mean to harass England into its settlement, on every occasion and by every means in your power. He did not deny it. He knew it was true, and I knew it was true. It was the policy of Mr Blame on behalf of the Republicans and of the Democrats in general. The Home Bule question in America crops up on all occasions, and it is the same in a lesser degree in all English-speaking races. All Continental countries for ever sneer at England on account of her treatment of the sister isle. What did Russia reply recently to a protest from England on the persecution of the Jews 7 Practically—' Shut up. Consider your disgraceful persecution of your fellow-citizens, the Irish.' England is pretty thick-skinned, pretty long-winded in her insensate wilfulneas, bat she cannot for ever resist such pressure from within and without, •specially as she is beginning to realise that she will be blessed in the fruition of her repentance, — more than eren the Irish will be benefited,— for her trade, wealth, and security must be enhanced by this act of tardy justice. These are the motives which influence nations. For, whatever idealists may think, the lowest commercial selfishness, tempered by occasional waves of enthusiasm, rules modern civilisation, and Great Britain, so far from being the exception, has lead in the van, and is likely to continue there as long as she combines with high administrative talent a Strict attention to the social reforms necessary within her own territory. And now, what shall I say as to the conduct of Ireland in this constitutional struggle 7 Cheered in her path by the intellectual sympathy of all civilised Europe from the period antecedent to Catholic Emancipation to this hoar, she has exhibited, under the bitterest provocation, a moderation anparalled in history. From out the bosom of an uneducated peasantry, she has produced numberless men of energy and genius, hotdes of artisans and labourers who hare made every path of industry smile, generations of peoples who

shall call her blessed with increasing enthusiasm, as the knowledge of her services to freedom is noised abroad." — The address was frequently applauded dnrirg its delivery, and the Hon Dr Grace sat down amidst a storm of applause, which lasted for some time.— Mr J. ODea, on moving a hearty vote of thanks to the chairman for his address, Baid that this was not the first occasion on which the bon gentleman had come forward to the assistance of the Home Bale cause. Some fifteen months ago, when the freadom of Ireland hang in the balance, and when many Home Balers both at Home and in America were lukewarm in their support of it, Dr Grace took his stand fearlessly and independently on the side of justice and freedom. The services rendered by the chairman to the cause of Ireland were great, and for such he desarved the gratitude of thelrish|people (applause). — After the concert part of the programme, | the floor was cleared for dancing, which was indulged in for a couple of hoars to the strains of Minified string band. The attractions of 1 the evening was a well-erecated eight-banded Irish reel, which was a source' of mnch interest to the audience, many of whom had never eeen any such performance before. The general arrangements were in the hands of a committee consisting of Messrs J. P. M'Alister, W. F. Healey, P. P. Fleming, J. Coogan, B. Larkin, J. ODea, P. Moroney, and D. B. Lawlor, who were most successful in their efforts. The garden fair on behalf of St Joseph's Orphanage, concerning which I had a word or two to say last week, was held on Wednesday, at Father Lane's grounds, at the Lower Hutt. The weather in the morning was lowering, but towards midday the clouds cleared away, and Sol c«me out in all bis power and splendour, and thereby dis' pelled any further anxiety as to the prospects, either by the promoters or their patrons, The attendance, considering everything, was very good, and although there was no regular programme of sports, still those present apparently enjoyed themselves very much. A number of stallo were erected on the grounds for the sale of goods of a useful and fancy character. The stall-boilers were— Mrs -tcDonald (refreshment stall). Mrs O'Meara, and Misses Sheridan, MacManaway, O'Connor, Wright and Neville. A very energetic business was done during the day, and woe betide the uahappy wight who had forgotten his parse, and loved filthy lucre so much that he could resist the fair, but very persevering, pleas on behalf of the orphans. The Marist Brothers' school band, under the conductorship of Mr Trowell, made their first bow to the public on the occasion, and right creditable was it as a first performance, reflecting alike credit on the bandmaster and on the musician?, who, it ie hoped will be led by this success to still persevere in the same path. There were various sports got up for the amusement of tbe juniors present, which were productive not alone of fun to the participants, but also to their elders as they looked on. The sports were under the direction of Messrs Truman and Costal 1, whilst an Aunt Bally, under Messrs Dealy and Davis was well patronised. The following are tbe result of the races -.—Boy's Bac9 — Emeny, 1 ; Foley, 2. Ditto— O. Leydon, 1 ; J. A. Myers, 2. Girl's Bace— Nellie Outtrim, 1 ; May Kuchen, 2. fcack Bace (boys)— Foley, 1 ; Emeny, 2. DittoMadden, 1 ; Apps, 2. Three-legged Bace — Emeny and Fitemaurice 1. Girl's Bace— T. Gardner, 1 f Nellie Outtrim, 2. Little Girls' Bace— Mollie Davis, 1 ; Nellie Cottrell, 2. Ditto— Nellie Cadigan, 1 ; Agnes White, 2. Band Bace— W. Brady, 1 ; D. Maginnity, 2. Band Sack Bace— Madden, 1 ; Maginnity, 2. Band Bace— T. McCarthy, 1 ; J. Oadigan, 2. Ditto— Doyle, 1 ; McDonald, 2. An energetic committee had made very satisfactory arrangements, which were carried out in a very satisfactory manner, and they are to be congratulated on the result of their endeavours, to benefli po good a canst.