IRISH NEWS

New Zealand Tablet, 1 December 1921, Page 35

IRISH NEWS

*-. -BAIL EIREANN'S COURTS OF JUSTICE. ■'■ One cannot be long in Ireland without coming into contact, directly or indirectly, with the Irish Republican courts (writes/-Rev. James M. O'Connell in, the London Catholic Times). .A recent business trip to Ireland, extending oyer five weeks, carried me constantly to the offices, of a solicitor, and therein I/frequently —willy nilly—the solicitor and his clerks discuss the preparation of a" case or a defence to be presented before a Dail Eireann court. ' * For two years, in the midst and in spite of the cruel warfare on all things Irish, these Irish Republican Courts of Justice have persistently exercised their functions, in some instances without the interruption of a single day. It will be recalled that the late Terence Mac Sweeney was presiding at an important sitting of the Cork Republican Court when he was arrested. Up to that time the press of this Country had given much prominence to the sittings of these courts; since then it has ignored them, leaving the impression that they had ceased. On the contrary, the Cork Court has continued to sit daily, though the "Black-and-Tans" could never discover its whereabouts. The people know where to find them and always use them when necessity demands legal action. The success of these courts is due to their strict justice and efficiency, perhaps also to the consequent fact that by the people they are regarded with a confiding trust rather than with fear. Landlords, Unionists, men of every creed and party, have told me that never before in Ireland was justice dispensed so impartially and firmly, and if one thing more than another convinces them of the practicability and reasonableness of Irish Ireland aspirations, it is the Sinn Fein administration of justice unstained, as it is, by religious, class, or political prejudice. In practically every district outside Ulster and even within th§ frontiers of so-called Northern Ireland, two classes of Republican Courts exist, parish courts and a district court, which roughly correspond to the English police courts and assize court. An appeal can always be made from a parish court to its district court. The decision of the latter is usually regarded as final, but the court may give leave for an appeal to a, referee, to be appointed by the Dail Eireann. The British courts in Ireland are out of work. This is the simple fact. Up to the Spring of 1920 they disposed of all litigation in the country, and the Betty Sessions and Assize Courts were prosperous institutions. But a rapid change came. At the County Courts in June, 1920, and at the Assizes in July, it appeared that all the cases had been mysteriously settled, for there was no appearance of the litigants. The explanation is to be found in the Dail's Decree of June, 1920. Since then—and I have been witness to what I write in Munster —the judges have sat idle in deserted courts fortified by sandbags, barbed-wire and machine-guns. They are unemployed, only, unfortunately for the Irish taxpayer, they still continue to receive their plump salaries. On the second day of the Cork Assizes, July, 1920, the Army of Occupation, arriving to occupy the Court House, found the Republican flag floating brazenly over the Court House and held in the hand of the figure of Justice. They have not yet discovered the "boy" who got through the barbed wire, etc., and placed it there. The story is the same throughout Republican Ireland. Usually the British .courts "fall through" after a few hours. Meanwhile the Republican . courts are humming with the business and settling the cases which they have taken from their defeated competitor. The position of •counsel and solicitors in regard to the Dail Eireann courts presented an initial difficulty. There are legal gentlemen in sufficient number for the purposes of these courts who would not desert their national ideals for all the threats and penalties of the law societies. But an attempt was made to prevent counsel and solicitors from attending the Republican courts. At first, many of the lawyers refused to attend; then they began to attend as a matter of course Next the Incorporated Law Society had to deal with a

resolution moved before it to -prevent solicitors from attending Sinn Fein courts. That resolution drew a trenchant letter from Mr. Maurice Healy, solicitor, Cork, and the I.L.S. discreetly dropped its resolution. A similar resolution was actually passed by the Council of the Bar of Ireland. But counsel and solicitors, unlike judges, are dependent on work for their salaries, and since their client's insisted on going to the Republican courts, they ignored the resolution and also went. Finally, a general meeting of the' Bar was summoned to discuss the matter and decided to take no action. Hence, counsel and solicitors regularly appear before the Irish tribunals.

IRISH RACE CONFERENCE.

Assuming that the approaching parley between the Government and the representatives of Ireland will end in the acceptance by. both sides of a peace-contract, it was an excellent idea to arrange an Irish race conference in Paris or Dublin for the early days of the New Year (writes J. F. Boyle in the London Catholic Times). The meeting of the representatives of the Irish race will be a fitting opportunity of celebrating the end of a long quarrel notable for unsparing coercion on the one hand and for an irrepressible tendency to revival on the other. It is stated that Mr. de Valera in - a recent interview with Miss Hughes, secretary of the Conference; expressed the hope that this convention would become a triennial event, as it would enable the Irish people abroad to keep in closer touch with the people at home and to obtain more reliable information about the country. The Irish are in the position to explain to the world that they have fought a unique political battle. It was a battle which showed the success of moral power contending for centuries against physical force. And whilst engaged in this struggle they were ever foremost in the democratic movement, championing advanced projects for the betterment of mankind, but carefully guarding against excesses. The Irish SelfDetermination League of England, which undertook the preliminary work of organising the Conference, has transferred the responsibility to the Irish Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Dublin, and a new secretariat is being opened iii Paris and will make arrangements for the Conference, in co-operation with numerous organisations which have sprung up throughout the world to further Ireland's demand for liberty. One of Ireland's great claims to universal gratitude is what she did in the early years of the Christian era to evangelise Europe, and it is to be hoped that measures will be taken to bring to the notice of the public of all nations her memorable work"ln" this respect. Much has been done to bring to light what, the records of old monasteries and similar institutions throughout Europe" had to tell of Ireland's zeal, but the tale of the wonderful work of the Irish missionaries has never been completely told, and it seems that a conference of this kind is a suitable occasion for letting the world know what it is in its completion. For this purpose it might be necessary to examine and investigate the history of .the oldest institutions in Europe—old churches, monasteries, and libraries, but the expense and trouble would be surely repaid in the results of the researches. Then, there is a great deal that might be done to bring to the knowledge of foreign people the early state of civilisation in Ireland itself. Mrs. Green has given glimpses of early Irish skill in brass* and art work of which lovers of the old country would like to see more; and more might also be told of Ireland's beautiful illuminated manuscripts. The Irish are, like their Church, though old, ever young, and now that a vision of. freedom is presenting itself to their eyes, they feel as a youthful people, before whom lie the possibilities of a brilliant future. I have no doubt that, wherever their lot may be cast, they will do credit to their country in the future and will lead the way in the promotion of all that is best iri our civilisation. They may well repeat, "What region on earth is not full of our labor?" And their contribution to the world's progress in the past may be taken as a pledge of what they will do in the future. They may be trusted to act as pioneers of*.all that makes for progress and prosperity, and, mindful of what their fathers have suffered, they may well say with the authors of England's Great Charter: "We will not deny or delay to any man justice or right." By helping to organise the Irish Race Conference, every Irishman and Irishwoman will render a valuable service to their country. "p

Qreymouth

(From our own correspondent.) • " ' November 16. A straw shows which way the wind is blowing, and judging by the magnificent spirit of faith, and piety displayed during the mission which ended on Sunday, it is blowing in the right direction on the West Coast. Signs were not wanting to show that the heart of the Coast teats true to the Catholic Church. For 14 davs St. Patrick's Church was crowded, morning and evening. Indeed, the Maiist Fathers, who conducted the mission (Rev. Fathers T. J. McCarthy and A. J. Herring), are agreed that it was one of the most satisfactory they have ever given. Everything went to prove that the faith that had survived rope and rack and sword, flourishes even under the hand of an un-Christiari Government. During the mission the daily communicants averaged 750, while on the concluding day 1100 approached the Holy Table. Practically every home in the parish was consecrated to the Sacred Heart in accordance with the recent expressed wish of the Holy Father. Two very imposing processions took place, one in honor of the Blessed Sacrament, the other in honor of Our Lady. The guard of honor was composed of school children, Children of Mary, and Hibernians. The Confraternity of the Sacred Heart arid the Apostleship of Prayer were inaugurated. Over 500 women and 300 men signified their intention to enter the glorious Apostolate. Besides this 500 handed in their names for the League of Reparation to the Sacred Heart, the members of which pledge themselves to assist at Mass and receive Holy Communion one day a week. The names of members have been set up at the church door as a Roll of Honor, and opposite each name is the day chosen by that person. In regard to this work Father Herring stated that a great feature of the Marist Missions was the organising of confraternities and sodalities in-connection with the parish. On another occasion he stressed the great need of a Catholic atmosphere in the Catholic club. Both priests proved themselves impressive and convincing speakers. The social evils of the day were vigorously attacked. The recent amendments to the Marriage Act met with vehement denunciation, and Catholic teaching in regard to the sacramental character of marriage was clearly explained. Drunkenness, illicit company-keeping, ' the reading of books against faith and morals, divorce, the violation of the laws that the Creator has ordained in regard to marriage, etc., were strongly condemned. In connection with the marriage law Father Herring showed himself the fearless champion of the teaching of the Church. On the concluding Sunday of the- mission a special men's Mass was clebrated at eight o'clock* at which 500 men received Holy Communion. After Mass a Communion breakfast was held at St. Columba Hall, where the following toasts were honored: "The Missionary Fathers'' proposed by Mr. H. F. Doogan and responded to by Rev. Father McCarthy, S.M., "The Hibernian Society and St. Columba Club,'" proposed by Rev. Father Herring, S.M., and responded to by Messrs. H. McKeowen, and A. McSherry; "The Local Clergy," proposed by Mr. M. Daly and responded to by Rev. Father Long, Adm.; "The Ladies," proposed by Mr. T. Barry and responded to by Mr. F. Doogan. The sight at the men's Mass was really, edifiyng and inspiring, and in replying to a toast at the breakfast, Father McCarthy congratulated the men on their loyalty. He reminded them in. a stirring address that they were heirs of a glorious spirit which had descended upon them from the pioneers of the Coast, whose name was a symbol of honor and loyalty. He charged them to carry on in the same spirit. . They were the trustees of the future, and from them the coming generation would take the spirit which would animate the parish. Father Herring directed an appeal for recruits to the Hibernians and St. Columba Club. The president of the Hibernian Society, Mr. J. Kennedy, presided over the gathering. On Sunday evening the congregation overflowed into the sanctuary and side chapels. Father McCarthy took for the subject of his final sermon, "The Divine Origin of the Catholic Church," concluding a masterly address with an appeal to his hearers to remain true to the grand old faith of their fathers. The renewal of baptismal vows and the imparting of the Papal Blessing concluded the exercises of the mission, leaving us sad, but strengthened in our spirit of loyalty to Holy Church.

At Brunner Father Eccleton, S.M., conducted a mission from Sunday, October 30, to November 6, and practically 100 per cent, of the Catholics in the district approached the Sacraments. Father Eccleton then proceeded to Cobden, where he conducted a mission from Monday to Saturday. Here again the missioner was edified by the spirit of faith and piety met with. On the 12th inst. Father Eccleton opened a mission at Barrytown. Rev. Fathers Herring and McCarthy return to Christchurch next Saturday, leaving Rev. Fathers Eccleton and Vincent to continue the country missions. Rev. Father Long, Adm., who is at present in Christchurch, is to return on Saturday.

MUSIC EXAMINATIONS

Convent of Mercy, Rakaia-Methven At the Trinity College (London) practical music examinations, held at the Convent of Mercy, Rakaia, on the 12th ult. by Mr.' S. Myerscough, Mus. Bac, the following numbers of pupils of the Sisters of Mercy, Methven and Rakaia, were successful: —Professional diploma: Licentiate (piano), 1; senior grade: Honors 1, pass 1; intermediate: Honors 1, pass 2; junior: Honors 3, pass 4; preparatory: Honors 1, (violin) 1; first steps: Honors 2, pass 1. At the recent examinations in theoretical music, in connection with Trinity College, the Sisters of Mercy, Methven, secured the following successes: —Intermediate: Pass 1; junior: Honors 3, pass 1. Convent of Mercy, Grey mouth The Trinity College practical examination in music was conducted in Greymouth by Mr. Myerscough on October 26 and 27. All the candidates presented by the Sisters of Mercy were successful twelve-year-old candidates (Misses Kathleen Knell and Ethel Wallace) obtaining 95 per cent., the former in pianoforte playing and the latter in violin playing, both in junior division. . The following is the summary of results: —Higher o local honors, 1; senior honors (violin), 1; senior pass, 1; intermediate honors 4, pass 2; junior honors (violin) 3, piano 5; preparatory honors (violin) 3, piano 6, pass 1. On November 16, Dr. Haigh, examiner for the Associated Board of Royal Academy of Music and Royal College of Music, London, conducted the practical examination in Greymouth. The following is the list of successful candidates: —Intermediate local centre violin, 1 (130 marks) intermediate local centre piano, 1 (125 marks); higher division piano, 2; lower division, 2; elementary (distinction) 2, pass 9, (violin) 1; primary violin (distinction) 1, pass 2, piano 6. . Dr. Haigh after the examination made the following highly eulogistic comments on the work of the students and teachers: —"Before leaving Greymouth, I should like to place on record the pleasurable surprise I have had examining the music candidates for the Associated Board of the R.A.M., L.R.C.M. Thg students have, in many cases, acquired not only technical readiness, but a real musical feeling, which, combined, have made their interpretations very convincing. The greater number of candidates were presented by the convent. During my lengthy tours in all parts of the Dominion, I have rarely met with such consistent teaching in any one school. I leave the West Coast feeling satisfied that the young students of Greymouth have opportunities of which parents may feel justly proud."

God gives us diseases in this world for the salvation of our souls, and when we endure them patiently they are the fountain of great merit to us. —St. Francis of Assisi.