(To the editor Weekly Freeman, per favour editor N.Z Tablet.)

New Zealand Tablet, Volume XXI, Issue 39, 25 January 1895, Page 15

(To the editor Weekly Freeman, per favour editor N.Z Tablet.)

Sir,— Feeling that it might be a source of strength and gratifi. cation to the Nationalist party at Home to know that tbeir fellowcountrymen in this far-off land are not forgetful of their duty to fatherland, I thought it would not be amiss to inform you that a branch of the Irish National Federation has recently been formed in Ohrißtchurcb, Canterbury, Zealand, and promises to ba a strong branch. There is just one drawback that militates against its success, and that is the unfortunate split tbat exists between the Parl'amentary party at Home. Though I agree with the secretary of the Dennistou Branch in the assertion (as appeared in bis letter publiihed in your issue of July 21) that the great bulk of the Irish people and others that sympathue wilh the Irish in their struggle for self-government are entirely opposed to the tactics of the itedmondites, and are sincerely in accord aid sympathise with Mr Justin McCar'hy, yet the fact < f the difference existing is estranging sympathy and support from a large section of our people, and many true and genuine Irishmen aver thit nmil such differences are settled they will not, and could not conscientiously support the cause. In support of this contention I might say that in an interview I recently had with oar worthy Bishop and also with the administrator of the diocese, for the purpose of enlisting their good offices in support of the cause, they both took up that position, I mi^ht go farther, and add that his Lordship info-med me that Cardina Moran had given fffect to a regolntion passed by the bishops of Australia by issuiDg circulars to all the bishops in the Australian colonies aßking them not to take act or part in any movement having for its object the countenance of either party, until such times as they hai agreed to settle their differences, and were prepared to give — as the old saying goes and a true one — a strong pull, a long pull, and a pull all together, to gain the one obj-ct that every trne Irishman has at heart — to see once again a parliament established in College GreenI might say, personally, I entirely disagree with this view of with, holding Bupport, and maintain thatall those who take this stand are not true to their country, Although a strong admirer of the late leader of the United Irish paity, and I have no hesitation in affirming here that he has done great work in his time, aud, notwithstanding his faults, Irish. men, to my mind, would cease to be that generouß and noble race, if they ignored the fact tbat he was instrumental in raising the Home Bule question to the high position it bolda at the present time ; yet I would not allow this feeling, or sentiment, to stand in the way of the one goal we ere all desirous of attaining — Home Rule for Ireland. And I maintain the only way we can acjoinplish this ip, instead of withholding support from both parties, to accord all the supportmorally and financially — to, and throw in our lot with, the party that works shoulder to 6hculder with the Lberal 0 , and prove by their actions that they have every confilerco in the G.O.M. and Lord Bosebery. Tho consensus of opinion here is evidently in favour of Nationalists, and before the big battle is fought, I am certain we will amplify it by providing our share of the powder and shot necessary to annihilate our enemies. Yet atother word. By the action of the Houße of Lords in throwing out the Home Rule and Evicted Teuants Bills, numbers of Irishmen are dLhear ened, and imagine the causo is los". But tba: is not bo, lo justify thip, I might say the Liberal Government o. New Zealand, being desirous of making reforms in the interest of the people, passed several measures, and sjat them up to the Legislative

Council. TMb most august body treated these measures in exactly the same way as did the Housa of Lords the Home Bule and Evicted Tenants' Bills — not once, but several time. To overome this unwarrantable opposiuon, the Governmei fc made a number of appointments to the Upper House, but with no fffect. At the last general election these niuasuies were placed before the people, with the result that the Liberal Government waß returned with an overwhelming majority* Eeeu'.t— the Council accepted the verdict of the people, aDd passed the measures with flying colours. A'U desperandum Tho Hume Rula and Evicted Tenants' Bills will bs re-introduced (so we have been informed by cablegram) next session, passed, and sent up to the House of Lords. No doubt they will again be treated to the same short sbrift. There will be a dissolution, and then let us hope the Liberal Party and Natior alists will be returned with such a majority that the Lords— if they are desirous of p/eserving hereditary privileges— will facd the music, and give (fleet to the wishes of the people. — I am, etc, Geobgk J Sellabs, President C.I.N.F. September, 1894. P.S. — Since the above was w.s written Lord Roseb3ry has unfolded his plan of campaigo re Irish matters. Hia Government will propose a resolution affirming lha principle that the wishes of the people must be acceded to. There is do doubt this will be agreed to by the Common?, and duly recorded on the minutes, and to quote his own words. "Not all the perfumes of Araby itself wilj wash that resolution out of the books of the House of Commons.*' Should Lord Rosebery succeed in placing such a resolution on the records of the House, and the Lords maintain their present attitudei there can be no doubt tte hands of the Government will be strengthened thereby, and an appeal to the country on those lines will result in vicory. G.J.S.