THE IRISH INFORMERS IN MELBOURNE.

Dunstan Times, Issue 1111, 17 August 1883, Page 3

THE IRISH INFORMERS IN MELBOURNE.

Considerable excitement wta caused in this mid the other Colonies ,in the early part of the week hy the report that save ial prominent informers were on board the steamer Pathan, which arrived at Peith, Western Australia, from England on July 27 The Pathan arrived at Adelai le on the Ist inat., and was immediately boarded by ihe police, who conclude I that ID men e mneited with the Irish trials wer» aboard including Peter Carey, Uaulon, Smith and K ivanagh. all of whom were travelling under assumed names. None however, desiring to land at Adelaide, no steps were taken. The Pathan proceeded to Melbourne, where she arrived on the 3rd. Government was questioned in the assembly regarding its intentions. Mr Service replied that he was nonplussed how legally to prevent their landing. Next night he annouoed that, he-> ieving that the public safety was tbe supreme law, he had decided not to allow the informers tto land on Viotoiao soil. C-ms queutly a party of detectives proceeded to the Heads early next morning, rccompanied by two Melbourne residents who knew Kavanagh former y in Dublin, and whom they stated they could p >st ively identify. The. Pathan was intercepted at the Hea‘s and boar-ed by the police and the health olticer. The whole of the pa.-, senders (of whom there were 300, chiefly immigrants) were then mustered and passed oefore tbe health officer. In due course Kavanagh and Smith w re recognised, and requested to atom I ash to.. It is stated that Hanlon evaded the roll call, hut was su >sequenr.lv clialiertgeil; and llnal'y admitted Iris identity. No others, however, were found aboard. The detectives then examined the above three, and being satisfied of their identity, informed them they would run a danger, owing to the excited state of public feeling. The men protested, and declared their readiness to run all risks. Since then they have been detained on board by a strong party of police, who kep constantly within sight. The captain interviewed the Premier, and protested against his action, but without a ail. He has since declined to provide food or water for the police aboard. An inquiry into alleged misbehaviour by the police aboard resulted in Serge, nt Witcher apologising to Mr Sinclair (the engineer), ami the mat er drooped. Hanlon and Kavanagh have written letters to the Government, declaring both were shipped at the instance of the police : chat Detective Simmons, of Dulrlin.secuie-i their passages, the detective suggesting assumed names. Kavanach and Hanlon were together i-i Kilmamham Gaol. Both men s ate that in consequence of the strong feeling in the Colonies against the crowd ot witnesses in the Phoenix Park murdtrs they request the Government to ship them to Calcutta or England. Mr Service has arranged with the captain of the Pathan n.■ ship the men back in the steamer. Kavanagh and Hanlon going to England, and Kimill will probably be landed at Calcutta, 10 which port the Pathan goes fit st. Detoc tive Maokay accompanies the vessel as far as Syney, lor which port the Pathan Bailee.