A FRIEND IN NEED.

New Zealand Tablet, Volume XXI, Issue 24, 13 October 1893, Page 31

A FRIEND IN NEED.

(Launceston Morning Star.)

Anyone reading John Mitchel's " Jail Journal " or the record of his rive years in British prisons, mast be struck with the many beautiful passages so frequently met with in the book. His was a trenchtnt pen, but when the fire of political passion in his writings, gave way to the fire of pure and kindly affection that ever burned in his Celtic heart, no gleeman or bard, no tronveur or troubadour ever penned lines fuller of kindlier feeliDg than did Mitchel. Shortly after his escape from Hobart in 1853, as the shores of T. D. Laud were receding from his view for ever, he wrote the following :— ' The last of my island prison visible to me is a broken line of bine peaks over the Bay of Fires. Adieu, then, beauteous island, fall of sorrow and gnashing of teeth I— island of fragrant forests and bright rivers and fair women !— L land of chains and scourges and blind brutal passion and rage I (The convict system was in full swing daring Mitchel's imprisonment.) Behind those far blue peaks, in many a grsen valley known to me, dwell some of the best and warmest -hearted of God's creature*, and the cheerful talk of their genial firesides will blend for ever in my memory with the eloquent song of the dashing Derwent and deep eddying Shannon," Up to the hour of his death, Mitchel retained the deepest affection for those in Tasmania who had helped to brighten tbe home of the Irish exiles. He had received kindness from men of all classes and creeds, who refused to regard him as a criminal, and on tbe occasion of bis memorable escape, he could never have managed to avoid detection were it not for the help given him by many Tasmanian gentlemen both ia the south and north of the Island. One of these has just passed away at a ripe old age— the late Mr Manning, of Sandy Bay, Hobart. He it was who concealed Mitchel in bis father's house at Sandy Bay until the brig Emma was ready to sail, and afterwards rowed the exile down the bay and put him on board after the vessel had been cleared by the authorities. Mr Manning used to point out with pride the room where Mitchel slept, and the little plot of Irish shamrocks grown from a small sprig sent him out from Ireland by the kinsfolk of the man whom he helped to deliver from exile. Mr Manning was a member of tbe Anglican communion, was much respected in Hobart, and his death has called forth many expressions of regret. In this regret we would respectfully join. Green be the grass above hit honoured remains, and may the Giver of all good gifts pour His blessing on the family of the man who, in the dark days of tbe evil past, held forth the hand of friendship to the noble Exile of Erin.