BALLOTED PRIESTS BEFORE THE BOARD.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XXXIX, Issue 1686, 15 March 1917, Page 3

BALLOTED PRIESTS BEFORE THE BOARD.

CHAIRMAN OBJECTS TO ARCHBISHOP'S REMARKS.

The position of Roman Catholic: priests in respect of the ballot was briefly touched upon at Tuesday’s sitting of the Third Military Service Board iu Wellington, when Mr 11. F. O’Leary appeared in support of the appeals of three Catholic: Fricsts, Daniel I*. Cronin (Foxton), Bernard J. Ryan (Si. Patrick's College), and John Edward Ainsworth (Wanganui), also of a Marisl brother, Alielmel Jackson. Air O’Leary handed in certilicales from Archbishop O’Shea, testifying that the services of these four clerics were essential. Mr Moorlioiisc (in the chair) asked what evidence was being brought and Mr O’Leary replied that lie considered all tin* evidence Hint was necessary was contained in Hie letters from Archbishop O'Shea. Of coarse, if Hie Board wished the signature proved, that could he done.

Mr Moorlioiisc: “But the Board wauls evidence to show that the loss of three priests will interfere with the efficient working of the Church. We do m>( want to cause trouble or annoyance to Hie great body of Catholics. 1 want to know how these priests arc csscnlnil. ' Air O’Deary; "I suppose Archbishop O'Shea look it that the position was so notorious now that there was no necessity to repeal Hie evidence.”

One of the members of the Board enquired if an archbishop had power lo prevent one of Hie priests appearing before the Board. Mr O’Leary replied Hm! as far as he could say, a superior could forbid such lo a priest. Mr Moorlioiisc: “Of course he could he summoned to he here, and then lie would have to he here." After deliberation, the Board decided to adjourn all the cases until the First Division is exhausted, when Hie position could (hen he reviewed.

Immediately after giving this decision, Mr Moorlioiisc picked up a clipping from the table, and said he had a report before him of an address given hy Archbishop O'Shea on February 25th last. He wished Archbishop O'Shea were present now. He enquired if Mr O’Leary were present when it was delivered. Mr O’Leary replied Dial he could not say anything about it. Air Moorlioiisc: “I want to know if you were there so that you could tell me if it is a correct report. If it is I very strongly object to the following quotation from it: ‘ln (he interval, I am sorry lo say sectarian bigots got to work, with the result that the week before last a Military Board in lids city refused to exempt two theological students in '.Giosc favour the Minister for .Munitions had issued the cert idea tc promised, and the acting-Prime Minister slated a few days afterwards in Dunedin that the Boards were not hound to lake any notice of Hie Minister's certificate.' Mr Moorehoiise: “Now. as a hoard, we expect grossly intolerable criticisms from the ungodly, but wo did not expect such from a high'authority of the Christian Church."

Mr Moorhoiisc paused. Mr O’Leary (rising): “1 cannot assist the Board in Hie mailer.” Air O’Leary left Hie room, and Hie incident closed. —N.Z. Times.