HOME RULE FOR IRELAND.

Horowhenua Chronicle, 15 May 1911, Page 2

HOME RULE FOR IRELAND.

THE TRISH ENVOY AT SHANNON. AN ENTHUSIASTIC GATHERING. (Specially Written for Tho "Chronicle.) \ ineetin" of sympathisers w'th Homo Rule was held" at Shannon last Saturday evening, when an address on Homo Rule was delivered by Mr Hazelton, one of the Irish envoys now on tour in New ZeaaMr W. H. Field. M.P., presided over a somewhat disappointing attondn.nce, which, however, increased diirino , the evening until the hall was comfortably full. A number of residents of Levin, Foxton. Tokomarn. and the surrounding district were present. The following gentlemen were on the platform : Messrs I*. Hennossy (Foxton), Hurley and Devine (Palmerston North). F. VV. Venn. G. N. Stephenson. M. Movmhan J. Mitchell, H. Logan (Shannon), J. Malcolm (Levin), Father Kollv (Foxton), and others. Mrs Dalton, of Wellington, played Irish and Scotch selections on tho pianoforte during the evening. Mr Field, who introduced Mr Hazleton. referred to Mr Hazleton's career which, though ho was still a young man, had already "been a remarkably distinguished one, and was likely to be still more distinguished in tho future. Mr Hazelton. who received _ an ovation on rising, spoke on the lines of his Palmerston North speech, and was listened to with attention, his remarks being frequently punctuated with rounds of applause. Tn appearance the member for Galwav West, the erstwhile opponent of Mr Walter Long, a Unionist Secretary for Ireland, and the conqueror of the redoubtable "Tim" Hoaly. does not resemble in the slightest degree, the stage Irishman. His_ face has nothing" very jovial about it. and is cast oiti somewhat melancholy lines. His voice, though not very resonant, is melodious and his accent is that of the educated Irishman—the accent of Dublin, where the English tongue is spoken in all its purity. When Mr Hazelton bad finished his address, a collection in aid of th" Home Rule funds was taken up. a.nd a substantial sum was contributed, which is likely to further augmented. Questions were invited when the collection had boon taken. Mr R. E. Selby then moved tho following resolution:—"That this meeting of residents of Shannon and district is of the opinion that in the best interests of tho good government of the Empire. Home Rule, or tliG right to make laws for their own government, should bo accorded the people of Treland." The mover briefly referred to Scotland's favourable attitude toward Homo Rule. Mr H. Logan, an Ulstorman, seconded the motion, and pointed out in connection with the misconeention entertained by some people that "Homo Rule moans Rome Rule." that were it not for the efforts of the Nonconformists at-Homo the Trish Nationalist would be still a lonsr way off the goal of their ambitions. Mr F. W. Venn spoke in support of the motion, condemning tho revolutionary practices of the exponents of Homo Rule in tb> eighties, and praising the methods of the latter dav Homo Rulers. Mr Hurley, of Palmerston North. also spoke at considerable length in simnort of the motion. The motion was carried without anv dissentients. Mr Honnessy moved a motion of thanks to Mi , Hazelton. 'which was seconded bv Mr Stephenson. Mr J. Mitchell Mio.u moved a vote of thanks to the chairman. Both resolutions were earned by acclamation, Mr Hazel ton being accorded three hearty cheers. A round of applause was given the pianist, Mrs Dalton. and tho proceedings closed with the National Anthem. Mr Hazelton subsequently left for Palmerston North by motor car. AX AMERICAN'S VIEW. The American naval expert. Captain Mlahan, commenting ton the Home Rule- problem, says :— "ft is passible for a military man. or a statesman with appreciation of military conditions, to look at the map and not perceive that the ambition of Irish Separatists, if realised, would lie even more threatening to the national life of Great Britain than the .secession of the South was to that of the American [Jnion. It would be deadlier also to Imperial aspirations; for Treland, by geographical position, lies across and controls tho communications of Great Britao'u with all the. outside world, save only that considerable, but far from preponderant, portion which borders the North Sea and the Baltic. Independent and hostile, it would: manacle Great Britain, which at present is, and for years to come must remain, by long odd.s the most powerful memher of the federation, if that take form. The Irish question, therefore, is vitally important, not to Great Britain only, but to the Colonies.' The legislative supremacy of the British Parliament, against tho assertion of which tho American colonists revolted, and which to-day would bo found intolerab'e in exercise in Canada and Australia, cannot be yielded in the case of an island, where independent -action might very well be attended with fatal consequences to its partner. The instruiment for such , action, in the shape of an independent Parliament, could not .safely be trusted oven to avowed friends."