IRISHMEN AND THE WAR

Taihape Daily Times, 27 June 1918, Page 7

IRISHMEN AND THE WAR

TROUBLE AT A SOLDIER’S WELCOME. “We canont help admiring the men who went to fight,’ ’remarked the Rev. Father Dowling, in the course of a welcome to returned soldiers, says the Launceston correspondent of the Sydney “Sun,” “because they had an ideal Home Rule. If they had not got this they would not go. “Ireland to-day was fighting for the same freedom that Australia had got. Irishmen would not fight except for their own protection. Tfie Irish would not spill one drop of blood for the country which had oppressed them.” The Rev. Trebilco (Methodist) advanced to the front of the platform and protested against the language of Father Dowling, and simultaneously Mr. H. J. Payne, M.H.A., advanced to the centre of the hall, and demanded that the name of the country that Father Dowling had referred to. Father Dowlin: It was England. Mr. Payne: The man who says that should not be permitted to remain on the platform one moment. (Loud cheers and uproar). The warden asked Mr. Payne to resume his seat, and requested Father DOAvling to continue his remarks to the returned men. (Loud cheers). Sharp exchanges followed between Mr. Payne and Father Dowling. The Avarden at length succeeded in restoring order. Strong protests were made against the language of Father Dowling. Mr, Payne called for three cheers for the Union Jack and England, which were heartily given.

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