THE IRISH SELF-DETERMINATION FUND

New Zealand Tablet, 13 May 1920, Page 28

THE IRISH SELF-DETERMINATION FUND

CHRISTCHURCH. . A meeting called for the purpose of inaugurating the Irish Self-Determination Fund, held on Tuesday evening last in the Hibernian Hall, proved representative and enthusiastic (writes our, own . correspondent). His Lordship the Bishop presided and there were, with him on the platform Very Rev. Dean Regnault, S.M., Messrs. T. Cahill (convener of the meeting), W. Hoban, and B. J. McKenna. Mr. Cahill gave a short account of his experience as a delegate to the great Irish Race Convention convened by the Most Rev. Dr. Mannix, after which his Lordship Bishop Brodie addressed the meeting. Bishop Brodie stated that the object of the gathering was to give practical effect to the resolution carried at the Irish Race Convention in Melbourne that each parish in Australasia should contribute to the Irish Self-Deter-mination Fund. All lovers of Ireland were bitterly disappointed to find that in spite of the share of the Irish in the great war the claims of Ireland to self-government were still disregarded. Ho quoted Cardinal Logue’s speech oh., the occasion of unveiling a memorial to Irish Catholic soldiers from Armagh who had Ipid down their lives for the British Empire in the so-called defence of small nations. Cardinal Logue could appropriately speak on such an occasion as he had urged the Irish to do their part in the great war as a recognition of the Home Rule measure placed on the Statute Book of the British Parliament; but, said Cardinal Logue, “the war is over, the Irish have fought in. full proportion to their numbers they have laid .down their lives and Ireland has now to lament her brave dead and that her sons have died in vain; the Home Rule measure, such as it was, has been suspended, and in place of it the British Parliament are trying to devise a division of Ireland which could only constitute a further difficulty in adjusting the Irish question.” His Lordship said that as they were contributing to the cause of Ireland, all lovers of Ireland should demand a publicity campaign for the purpose of correcting the grossly misleading cables coming to the Dominion, and which cables had to be printed by local papers conveying the impression that so-called outrages were the work of the Irish, whereas they were acknowledged by those in authority to be the result of the system by which Ireland was being misgoverned and goaded to rebellion. The time had arrived (said his Lordship) when delegates should be sent from Ireland to enlighten the world as to the true state of Ireland and the aspirations of her people. He gladly authorised the appeal for the Irish Self-Determina-tion Fund to be made in the parishes of the diocese, and was confident that the response in the Dominion would be in keeping with past generosity in helping the cause of Ireland. Following the Bishop. Very Rev. Dean Regnault, S.AI., , dwelt at length on the Irish question, handling his subject in a masterly manner. Not only did he prove Ireland’s right to manage her own affairs as a nation, and the ability of her people to do so. but placed a fund of. information before his hearers that gave the lie direct to the faked cables that are being sent out to different parts of the world slandering the Sinn Fein movement. Furnishing statistics and comparisons with other nations the Dean placed Ireland on a high plane indeed, and, showing the ignominious treatment meted out to her people, by a profiteering and unscrupulous British Government, he roused the audience to great enthusiasm. In conclusion ho promised his whole-hearted support to the object for which the meeting was called, and appealed to all to do likewise. Air. AY. Hoban proposed a motion in accordance with the resolutions adopted at . the Irish Race. Convention in Melbourne, and in doing so said he was proud as a New' Zealander to rise to the support of their Bishop in this appeal. One, thing he was never able to understand was how any people could deny to Ireland the rights which they enjoyed themselves. He was pleased, however, to see that the great mass of English people were in accord with giving Ireland what was clearly her due. In seconding the resolutions moved by Mr. Hoban Air. B. J. McKenna said he had devoted a lifetime of thought to the Irish cause, ami fully realised the base injustice received at the hands of the British Legislature. Persecution had proved to be an incentive to better action on the part of Irishmen, many of whom had' played prominent parts in movements for liberty and justice • in other countries. He hoped the day was close at . hand when Ireland’s claims would be fulfilled. A strong committee . was then set up with the , object of raising funds to help the Irish . people in their just claims to self-determination, and nearly £2OO was realised in

the hall. Contributions are flowing in freely, and the collectors feel sure that the . appeal will result in- a very handsome: sum ,■ being obtained. . ■ Apologies for absence were received from Very Rev. Dr. V Kennedy and; Father Cooney. A vote of thanks was accorded his Lordship the Bishop for presiding. MOSGIEL.,, .. . . / Arrangements have been- made in Mosgiel, and the’ Allanton portion of that parish, to collect subscriptions lor the Irish Self-Determination Fund. On Sunday, . Rev. Father Silk, in speaking of Ireland’s claims to self-deter-mination, urged all those of Irish descent and sympathisers in Ireland’s cause to contribute generously. At the meeting of the Hibernian Society in the evening the matter was taken up enthusiastically, and four members volunteered to act as collectors at the church on Sunday next. ' ST. BATHANS. An enthusiastic meeting was held at St. Bathans , on Sunday in support of self-determ inaiton for Ireland. Mr. Joseph McDovitt, who was voted chairman of the meeting, in a short speech explained forcibly and succinctly the object for which the meeting was called, viz., to raise funds to help the Irish people to obtain freedom and selfdetermination for their country. It was proposed by Mrs. James Enright, seconded by Mr. Patrick Dillon, and carried unanimously that a subscription list be opened at once in the St. Bathans district for this just and worthy cause. Collectors were appointed to canvass the town and district. Rev. Father O’Dea was appointed treasurer. RIVERTON. The collection for the Irish Self-Determination Fund is now fully organised in the different districts •• of r the Riverton parish. The people have taken up the project with enthusiasm, and results promise to be very successful. , RANFURLY. Rev. Father McMullan, of Ranfurly, asks us to acknowledge an amount of £33 towards the Irish Self-Deter-mination Fund.