Sedition by Example XVIII: The Maoriland Irish Society

(An ongoing series intended to excite hostility towards our archaic law of sedition)

Advertisment in the New Zealand Truth, August 10th, 1918:

APPEAL TO THE IRISH PEOPLE AND ALL LOVERS OF FREEDOM IN NEW ZEALAND FOR FUNDS TO PAY FOR THE LEGAL DEFENCE OF THE MANAGER (MR. A. J. O'RYAN) AND THE EDITOR (MR. T. P. CUMMINS) OF THE "GREEN RAY"; ALSO FOR THE MAINTENANCE OF THEIR DEPENDANTS DURING THEIR INCARCERATION.

We beg to appeal to the Irish people of the Dominion for subscriptions to the above fund. This is the first appeal of its kind abd your response may be regarded as an indication of the interest you take in the destiny of the land of your forefathers.

We presume you are now aware that both above named Irishmen have been sentenced to 11 months' hard labour for publishing articles dealing with Ireland, which, under the War Regulations, were considered seditious.

One of the articles complained of was written in commoration of the "Memory of the Dead," and referred to that gallant band of heroes who gave their lives during Easter Wekk, 1916, or in connection therewith.

In their zeal for the great cause, Messers. O'Ryan and Cummins did not take time to consider the possible consequences; their mission was to expound the Irish question and place the Irish situation in its true perspective and to advocate the interests of democracy, irrespective of nationality.

GIVE WHAT YOU CAN SPARE!

The "Exiled Sons and Daughters of Erin" should rally to the assistance of their imprisoned countrymen and see that their dependants are provided for while their breadwinners are absent and thereby show that they at least believe in what we hear so much about, "Liberty, Justice and the RIGHTS OF SMALL NATIONS."

All willing to assist please forward names and addresses.

Contributions may be forwarded to
J. TROY,
Hon. Secty. Maoriland Irish Society,
Box 886, Wellington.

The reference to "that gallant band of heroes" was deemed to excite disaffection against the King, and the Society's president, David Griffin, and its secretary, John Troy, were charged with sedition. Each was fined five pounds.

(Sources: New Zealand Truth, August 10th, 1918; Maoriland Worker, October 2nd, 1918; Irish Issues in New Zealand Politics 1868 - 1922, by Richard P. Davis, University of Otago Press, 1974).