THE IRISH RELIEF FUND.

New Zealand Tablet, 11 August 1921, Page 35

THE IRISH RELIEF FUND.

Sir, enclose cheque (£5) for Irish Relief Fund. I believe you were quite justified in abusing all of us • priests and Catholic lay peoplefor our want of response to Dr. Mcßory’s appeal for the distressed people of Ireland. I sometimes think we are qualifying to be presented with a bellows (a wind bag) because of our many protestations of love for Ireland and its people, because in many cases be it said to our shame (like the bellows) our usefulness as far as Ireland is concerned is summed up in empty 7

gusts of air. I was pleased to read your appreciation of Dr. Walsh. It recalled to my mind the historic occasion in one of the halls of Maynooth College when the late Dr. O’Hickey, delivering an address on “Irish,” compulsory in the National University, recommended the other clerical senators of the University to the pious prayers of the students, but said of Dr. Walsh —“I have no fear for Dr, Walsh, he has been always found on the side of Irish Ireland.”

God bless you and spare you to champion the cause of right and justice. God Save Ireland! Sinn Fein abu! — I am, etc.,

—Sacerdos.

Sir, —Herewith I enclose my subscription for the Belfast Relief Fund. I hope and believe that my heart has not “grown heedless in the sun,” nevertheless I must admit that your biting remarks about the failure of this fund are only too true as they affect me personally. I had intended all along to give something, but through carelessness neglected to do so. I am cordially hated for my known sympathy with the legitimate aspirations of the people of Ireland, so perhaps there is some hope for me.

Lately a Redemptorist priest who gave a mission here spoke publicly in the highest terms of the Tablet, especially the literary notes. May I too join my small voice in congratulation of the high quality of your paper? —I am, etc.,

—A. McLaughlin.

Rawhitiroa, July 30.

Sir, —I am sending you a donation for the Irish Relief Fund. I told my father I would save all my pennies for the starving children of Ireland, and daddy gave me £l. I am sending my own little mite as I am a child myself and I feel for the little ones at home.

I love to hear Mammy read the Irish news in the Tablet, but some of it is so sad. —Respectfully yours,

—Mary O’Connell.

Trafalgar Street, Onehunga, July 30.

Sir, —Please find enclosed cheque for £SO which I have collected for the Irish cause, and send it where most needed in Ireland. Please also publish in the Tablet the names of those who have subscribed.—Yours faithfully,

— D. T. Leahy.

Following is the Opunake list:-

D. T. Leahy, £5 ; M. J. Macßeynolds, £5; D. D. O’Sullivan, £5; J. Coneglan, £s'; H. McCann, £5; J. O. O’Rorke, £5; A. McQuaig, £2; E. O. Hanlon, £2; T. Mulligan, £2; J. M. Hickey, £2; E. Lewis, £1; T. S. Hickey, £1; W. P. Fennell, £1 Is; J. Boyhan, £1; Mr. Halpin, £1; W. Coneglan, £1; D. O. Sullivan, £1; A Friend, £1; B. Connor, 10s; J. D. Coneglan, £1; R. J. Morris, £2 10s.