HAPPY IRELAND

Hokitika Guardian, 15 February 1927, Page 4

HAPPY IRELAND

N.Z. PRIEST'S IMPRESSIONS. AUCTvLA N I>, Fob. 9. Ihe opinioix that tin: Irish 1 roe State was the country probably most satisfied with the results of the Imperial 'Conference was expressed by tho Rev Father Gallagher, who returned by the lonic. Father Gallagher, who was horn in Ireland, and lias been on an extended visit to his native country, has worked for many years ill the diocese of Christchurch, latterly as parish priest of Akaroa. Father Gallagher remarked that, tho greatest- problem in the Free State at the present time was the fiscal <piesI ion, and the way this wus handled by Mr Kevin O’Higgins, the Free Stale most active representative at the Conference, and received by the Imperial delegates, had won. general declamation. The direct result was that practically all the financial difficulties that existed hoi ween Britain and the Free Stale had been settled amicably, which opened the way for full cooperation lietween both countries, and removed many shackles from the development of industry in Ireland. “Ireland, both north and south, is a changed land,’’ added Father Gallagher. ‘The poverty that has always been so noticeable, still exists, bn is gradually disappearing. The poepl - are imbued with a new spirit. The svslem of government is progressive, and there is a strong desire among all sections for conciliation and advancement. Tt is patent to the most pessimistic visitor that a bright and prosperous future is in store for a < sorely troubled land.'’ The remark: . d( .growth of industry was one of tho most interesting impressions he had gathered. Tlie s—' of Ireland was no longer exclusively agricultural. Secondary industries wore springing up almost everywhere. II was pleasing to him, in view of speculation on the opportunities far the

same enterprise in New Zealand. ■ • hot ice the success of a licet sugar-re oiling factory that had been established in County Carlow. Tt was turning on' a sn'ondid product under profitable conditions, and providing employment for 1700 workers. “The unemployment situation is in fact, practically trilling.’’ observed Father Gallagher. “This is largely the result of the new phase of industrial activity. Tho greatest step lias been the harnessing of the Shannon for hydro-electric power, which was a wonderful feat for a small

country in such a parlous condition as Ihe Free State was when the project was so courageously undertaken. The I waters of the Shannon, which have in- | spired so much music and poetry, arc now, it scorns, to take the prosaic, but vital, role of being the chief factor in Ireland’s material progress.” Asked if the Republican movement retained any hold on the country. Father Gallagher, who was a pupil of TCamonn de Valera when the Republican leader was a Professor at MayiiooMi. replied that it was “as dead as the dodo.” Tho movement had split into two sections, he said, one oT which with De Valera at its head, based Us whole campaign mi an alternative parliamentary oath framed by lie Valera, which contained only a hair-splitting difference irom the constitutional for”'. T|,-' c>p:n-. -1-iU bin consisted of i lie extreme iyne. with whom no go ■ citizen could associate.