FATHER JERGER CASE.

Hokitika Guardian, 23 July 1920, Page 3

FATHER JERGER CASE.

AiimAiux & 5.7.. caw.j? association! THE DEPORTED PRIEST. ADELAIDE, July 22. The Government’s coup in smuggling Father Jerger away aboard the liner Khyber has surprised and chagrined tne priest’s supporters, but the feeling r other circles was one of satisfaction. MELBOURNE, July 22. In the '‘Federal House of Representatives, Mr Tudor (Labour Leader), mo?ed the adjournment, in order to dis cuss Father Jerger’s deportation. Ho urged the Government to give Father Jerger a fair trial. Then, if they found him guilty of disloyalty, they could deport him. ADELAIDE, July 22. , A party of Father’s Jerger’s supporters are now proceeding overland to Freemantle in order to meet the steamer Kyber there. The steamer is due there on Sunday. FATHER O’DONNELL’S CHARGE. (Received this day at 11.30 a.m.) MELBOURNE, July 23. The adjournment motion in the House of Representatives re .Terger’s deportation, was talked out. Mr Hughes explained that Jerger would have been deported long ago only the Ministry had mistakenly listened to the representation of the Opposition, hence further trials and delays. Considerable interest is manifested respecting a letter written in 1918 by Father Peter Paul McDonnell, a passionist colleague of Jerger, forwarded to the authorities. McDonnell’s letter contained a statement:—“l am perfectly convinced Jerger is absolutely disloy- :!}, and will take every means he safely • can to encompass Germany’s triumph. 1 Jerger is continually speaking in the church in -a •manner calculated to discourage recruiting.” The writei suggested that lie should be put where Tiis influence would lie ineffective, as he was. sure that influence would be used in the interest of Australia’s enemies. Father Ryan, Provincial of the Passionists denies Mr Pearce’s statement that McDonnell was deported, but not by the Government. He says the priest left Australia of his free will, to become a military chaplain, and is now in Paris.