FATHER JERGER

Dominion, Volume 13, Issue 257, 24 July 1920, Page 7

FATHER JERGER

PASSIONIST COLLEAGUE CONVINCED OF HIS DISLOYALTY By Teiesrajh— Press Association—OopyrigM Melbourne, July 23. On a motion ■ for adjournment in the House of Representatives, tho question of tho Jerger deportation was talked out. Mr. Hughes explained that Jerger would have been deported long ago if the Ministry had not mistakenly listened to the representations of tho Opposition; hence the further trials and delays. Considerable interest is being ■. manifested respecting a letter written in 1917 by Father Peter Paul M'Donnell, a Passionist colleague of Jerger, and forwarded to the authorities. Father M'Donnell's letter contains the statement: "I am perfectly convinced that Father Jerger is absolutely disloyal, and will take every meana ho safely can to encompass Germany's triumph. Jerger is continually speaking in church iii a manner calculated to discourage recruiting." The letter suggested that lie should be put where his influence would be ineffective, <is the writer was sure his influence would be used invthe interest of Australia's enemies. Father Ryan, of the Provincial Passionists, denies Senator' Pearce's statement tlrnt Father M'Donnell was deported, "but rot by the Government." The priest left Australia of his own free will to become a military chaplain, and is now in Pariß. —Press Assn. (Rec. Jiil.v 23, 10.55 p.m.) A Federated Stevedores' Conference, representing all the States, passed a resolution refusing to work any P. and 0. Company boats unless the Khyber was instructed to call at Fremantle and Father .Torger put ashore and given a fair trial—Press Assn. Perth, July 23. The Labour Council passed a resolution protesting against Father .Termer's deportation. It was decided to hold o monster demonstration on Sunday as a combined unions' protest.—Press Assn.