CHRISTCHURCH.

New Zealand Tablet, Volume XXI, Issue 14, 3 August 1894, Page 9

CHRISTCHURCH.

(From an occasional Correspondent.)

Thubsday, July 19, marked an epoch in the history of our city. At the invitation of Mr Jas Nelson (who, by the way, is one of the warmest supporters in Cbristchurch of any movement concerning the welfart of that dear " Land of Shamrocks "), a number of gentlemen assembled in the Hibernian Hall to consider the advisability of formiDg a branch of the Irish National Federation. The meeting was a very representative one and a great amount of enthusiasm was displayed by all present. The chair was occupied by E. O'Connor, Egg, J.P. Mr Nelson explained the object of the meeting, and a number of letters and telegrams were read from the leaders of the movement in Auckland and Wellington congratulating Mr Nelson on the steps he was taking and explaining the object of the I.N.r. and the rules and manner of working. After a number of those present bad discussed the question and expressed their opinions, it was unanimously decided that the time was nigh when a branch of the Irish National Federation should be established in Christchurcb, and all present pledged themselves to do all in their power to further the cause and asßist in relieving the wants of our down-trodden brethern in the Old Land and help them to gain what is their lawful right— namely, a Parliament on College Green. It is intended shortly to call a public meeting of all sympathisers with the cause of Home Rule and to start a branch on a sound footing, Thursdpy uight's meeting reflects great ciedn on the convener, and clearly proves the fact that the national spirit 19 no*, as tome may erroneously imagine, on the wane. I trust that ere long South Canterbury and Otago will follow suit and that we Bball soon have a branch of the Federation ia every possible place in tho South Islan.l.

It is always a pleasure to us to see our co rul'Kioniats advancing vp the ladder of fame. The powers that be have lately conferred an honour on our esteemed church secrttaiy, Mr R. O'Connor, by promoting him to the position of Justice of the Poaca. A better choice could, I think, hardly be made, for few men could be found more conscientious or impartial than our esteemed ex-gchojlrim t-r. I am quite sure I express the sentiments of all who kaow bim when I express the hope tnat he may live long to enjoy the newly-acquirtd honour.

A very pleasant githering took place recently \a the mcc ingroom of the League of the Cros«, the object baing to bid gooi-bye to ooe of the most popular members of the League; Mr Fred Evans who is about to commence bis studies for tb.3 priesthood. Mr Evans is a recent convert to Catholicity, and during bis short sojourn in Christchurch, has by his genial and unassuming manner, endeared bimse'f to everyone with whom he came in contact, and carries with bim the best wishes of all who know him, for a successful cireer in the new sphere of life to which Gjd has called him. Bey Brother Joseph on behalf of the L-ague presented him with a handsome volume of the life of Leo XII (. After several of the members had expressed their feelings on Mr Kvans' departure, light refreshments were banded round, and several songs and other musical items were contributed by the members

The Literary Society is progressing rapidly, one of the beit meat ings held for some time was on Tuesday 17th, when a Parliamentary debate took place. Rev Father Bell made a very efficient Speaker, and Mr J. J. Wilson as Premier introduced a Bill to provida an old age pension fund by means of a progressive income tax. After a very warm debate, during which time the Bill was subj >c ed to some severe handling from the OpposiuoD, the Bill was rejected by a bare majority.

The following is tho invitation alluded to as issued by Mr Ne'son :— "l4 William street, Christchurch, July 14, 1894. — Dear Sir,— l have been requested by some active workers of a prominent branch of the Irish National Federation in one of our northern cities to allow mysalf to be th? humbla medium of communicating their branch's desire to their fellow-country mea dwelling in Christchurcb

and its aurroandings. That desire is to establish, in this city, a branch of the Irish National Federation. It has also been suggested, as, mdcol, waa also clearly apparent to myself, that the most effectual way of bringing abjut the des.re is to place the mitter in the hand 8 of a few well-known, ardent sympathisers hid staunch supporters of Ireland's cauae. Ymr name, sir, occura to me amongst those of gentlemen most likely to -ive that prudtnt counsel and strong assiatanca which will lead to a successful binding together of our countrymen here, f..r the purposa of adding to that great volume of an exiled children's demand on behalf of their parent country for justice, which may be delayed if Britain's rulerg are allowed to think that a little disorganisation amongst our people's leaders at Horn* has caused apathy in the old cause to grow and spreai amongst the great Ireland abroad. It is obvious to ail of us who have followed the old country 'a political events of late years that the Irish national movement has reached that climax which makes it incumbent on Irishmen m this Colony not to leava a break in this part of th« world's wide circle of Irish influence-that influence which should be ready when needsd to cantre itself on the deliberations of those who, sustained by prejudice alone, persist in blocking the way to Ireland's glorious but natural destiny — self-govornmsnt. Such organised Irish opinion abroad has its peculiar use in helping to abate the distractions which may arise amongst the leaders of Irish thought at Home. The establishing of a branch here will confer on as the privilege of having our voices heard amongst those healing messages from afar. The colonies are on the eve of a visit from that very distinguished Irishman, Michael Davitt, and the existence of an Irish organisation here will aff _>rd a ready opportunity for discussing his arrival and the nature of his reception in this city. Trusting, for many reasons, of which I have striven to give a few, to have th« pleasure of your presence at a meeting to be held at the Hibernian Hall on Thursday, July 19.-I am, dear sir, youru faithfnlly, JAMBB Nel«on.