FENIANS AT THE THAMES.

Westport Times, Volume III, Issue 524, 1 July 1869, Page 2

FENIANS AT THE THAMES.

In the House of Representatives, on Wednesday, Mr Creighton moved for copies of all reports or other documents in the possession of the Government proving the existence of a branch of the Fenian organization at the Thames goldfield, as stated by the Hon. Mr Richmond in his ineinorandumofthe 12th March, 1869. The accusation which had been made against a large portion of the community at the Thames was a very serious one, and he believed quite unfounded. Unless the Government imagined that the publication of these papers would cause a miscarriage of justice, he thought it advisable they should be produced in order to prove whether a Fenian organisation existed at the Thames or not. The Colonial Secretary said the papers would be confined to a report of Mr Mackay. He had often thought he had detected signs of Fenianism in the country, but could never satisfy himself of the existence of a branch of the Fenian organisation in New Zealand, and he did not believe such existed. The publication of Mr Mackay's report would not cause a miscarriage of justice, but there were names mentioned in it which it might be as well not to publish, as their publication could only produce ill-feeling between the parties. Mr Gallagher thought this motion cast a stigma upon every Irishman in the country. —(Laughter.) Mr Swan, as representing the Thames goldfields, disclaimed any disloyalty on the part of that

constituency. It was indiscreet I on the part of the Government to bring this subject before the House ; and equally indiscreet on the part of the member to bring this matter before the House. Mr O'Neill said the inhabitants of the goldfields were a hard-working set of men, and no doubt felt much aggrieved at what the Native Minister said of them in his memorandum. Mr Creighton said his object had been attained by this discussion, and he would withdraw the motion.