SELF-DETERMINATION FOR IRELAND LEAGUE

New Zealand Tablet, 28 July 1921, Page 35

SELF-DETERMINATION FOR IRELAND LEAGUE

CHRISTCHURCH. At a meeting in the Hibernian Hall to elect a Provincial Council of the League for Canterbury, the following branch delegates were in attendance (writes our own correspondent): Christchurch centre, Messrs. T. Cahill, R. J. Kelleher, P. J. Amodeo, R. Kelleher, and M. J. Corrigan; Akaroa, Mr. McNab; Ashburton, Mr. J. Farrell; Little River, Mr. T. Quealy; Halswell, Mr. W. Holley; Lincoln, Mr. P. Ryan; Rakaia, Mr. J. Connolly; Methven, Mr. T. McAnulty; Templeton, Mr. H. Anthony; Rangiora, Mr. Gallagher; Lyttleton, Mrs. Quinn; New Brighton, Mr. J. Ainger; Christchurch North, Mr. C. Barnett. Executive office-bearers elected Vere: —President and treasurer, Mr. T. Cahill; vice-presidents, Messrs. M. J. Corrigan and P. Ryan; secretary, Mr. R. Kelleher. The proceedings were most enthusiastic, and cable messages 'were despatched to Eamon de Valera and General Smuts. The visiting delegates were the guests of the Christchurch committee at Mr. George Ryan's Empire Hotel. AUCKLAND. The members of the Auckland Provincial Committee of the Self-Determination for Ireland League of New Zealand, have been working energetically in the interests of the League. Through the activities of the members, and with the help of zealous workers of local districts, meetings have been held and strong branches formed at City central, Ellerslie, Panmure, Mt. Roskill, Howick, Newton, Ponsonby, Grey Lynn, Onehunga, Otahuhu, Waihi, Huntly, Matata, Te Kuiti, Morrinsville, Springdale, Manuwaru, Dargaville, Avoca, Rau'po, Ormond, Opotiki, and in many other country districts. Cables protesting against the reprisals in Ireland, and advocating the principle of Self-Determination for Ireland as the only solution to the Irish question have been sent from most of the above branches to the Lord Mayor, Dublin, asking him to convey the messages to the Manchester Guardian and the London Daily News. Much praise is due to the president of the Provincial Executive Committee (Mr. Hall Skelton) for his zeal and whole-hearted efforts on behalf of the League. In this he has been ably assisted by several members of the committee, now well known wherever public meetings of the League are held. Congratulations are extended to Mr. Hall Skelton on the success attending his able address delivered in the Town Hall on July 13.

LOWER HUTT At the conclusion of the address recently delivered at the Lower Hutt, in the interests of the Self-Determina-tion League, a branch of the League was formed and a, strong committee, with Mr. J. J. Bourke as president was elected. Mr. P. Cleary was appointed treasurer, and funds are being readily subscribed, about £IOO being contributed in the early stages of the movement, locally.

TIMARU. A meeting of the Timaru branch of the Self-Deter-mination for Ireland League, was held on the loth inst. Mention was made concerning the editorial rebuke in the N.Z. Tablet having reference to the unsatisfactory response to the appeal on behalf of the starving children of Ireland. It was decided to have a special collection made on Sunday, 24th inst. It was noted also that a cable message had been despatched to Eamon de Valera tendering him the moral support of the Timaru branch in maintaining Ireland's rights at the present conference.

DUNEDIN. At the ordinary weekly meeting of the Otago (provisional) Provincial Council, held on last Saturday evening, the president (Mr. T. J. Hussey) presiding, it was decided to immediately arrange for a convention in the interests of Self-Determination for Ireland, to open in Dunedin on Friday, August 12. Over 40 branches in the provincial districts of Otago and Southland are expected to be directly represented at its deliberations.

ST. JOSEPH'S CATHEDRAL CHOIR, DUNEDIN Accompanying the presentation of five volumes of Mass music, splendidly bound in leather, to Mr. John McGrath, of Christchurch, and formerly a valued member of St. Joseph's Cathedral Choir, will be a' beautifully engrossed and illuminated address from the choirmaster, conductor, and members, the text being as follows:

"On behalf of the members of St. Joseph's Cathedral Choi)-, with which you were, prominently associated for many years, we beg to tender you our congratulations on your promotion in your special sphere of service, and to express the hope that you will find yourself in congenial and happy surroundings in your new home in Christchurch.

Naturally our congratulations and good wishes for your future welfare are tendered with regret, inasmuch as your departure means a severe loss to the choir. We feel words are inadequate to express our appreciation of the work you have rendered to the choir both as a soloist and chorister, and the ready and willing manner you have met the many demands made upon you, of the unvarying high standard of musicianship with which you have invested all your work, of the regularity of your attendance, of the- warm- and lively interest you have always displayed in the choir's progress. Suffice it to say that we look on you as the ideal choir member. We also wish to give expression to the high regard and esteem in which we hold you personally; your unfailing courtesy and cheerful demeanor making it a pleasure to be associated with you. "As a, small mark of this regard and esteem we request your acceptance of these volumes of Masses, in the rendering of which you have so often and so ably assisted. Wo ask you to regard them as a link with the choir and as a sign of goodwill from its members .

"While it is not strictly within our province, we feel we cannot let this occasion pass without complimentary reference to your many notable public performances, and the unselfish spirit in which you have acceded to a multitude of appeals for your assistance in the cause of charity. To such appeals you have given your talents without stint, and the outstanding merit and artistry apparent in all your work in this connection has conferred an honor on the choir which had the pleasure of numbering you among its members. We reiterate the extreme regret felt at your departure, but look forward hopefully to the time when you will be able to once more take your place in our ranks. In conclusion we wish you every success in your new appointment, and every happiness and prosperity to Mrs. McGrath and the members of your family.