In Tipperary, Mr. Davin, a wellknown Labour deputy, has asked for an ecclesiastical tribunal to investigate the charge of Communistic affinities which was used against him (and others) in the election campaign He repudiates all connection with Communism, and claims to be (as he undoubtedly is) a thoroughly orthodox son of the Church.
Whether his request will be taken up and the Communistic charge against so many investigated, I cannot say. Perhaps charity will 'nay this regrettable dispute. On two facts I would pledge my judgment—(1) that there has been a considerable undercurrent of extreme Leftist propaganda among trade unionists, and (2) that with the great bulk of leaders and virtually all the workers, this propaganda is countered by solid religious orthodoxy. When it comes to the bit, as we say, Irish labour will show itself faithful to its Faith.
What one really could wish to come from Mr. Davin's protest is a serious endeavour to hammer out a Christian distributive policy for Labour in place of a hotch-potch of boss-baiting and pink agitation. With a well-digested distributist policy. Labour would become a powerful wing in the national advance, which at present owes all in its social phase to other pioneers. If Ireland has to-day the best Labour code in Europe, it does not owe it to Leftist obstruction, but to the statesmen who keep the common people's interest foremost in their democratic policy. There is no " bosses' party " in liberated Ireland.
News from Abroad
Authorities in Sydney, Australia, have been advised that 60 Catholic missionaries, including the Bishop of Alexishaven, have lost their lives in New Guinea, and another 77 are still unaccounted for.
Mgr. Panico, the Apostolic Delegate in Australia, obtained special permission from the American military authorities to meet the Dutch missionaries rescued from New Guinea when they arrived in a heavily guarded vessel at an Australian port last week. The emaciated missionaries crowded to the ship's rails to receive a blessing from the Bishop.
The consecration of a memorial altar in the old twentieth century church at Abou-Gosh, Jerusalem, was attended by many ecclesiastical, military and civilian notables. A gift of Catholic chaplains and personnel of the British army, the altar was erected in memory of members of the British forces who have lost their lives in the present war. In the apse of the ancient church stands an altar donated several months ago by the Australians in memory of their war dead.
Vatican Radio reported on June 7 that as previously announced Vatican broadcasts may be made impossible owing to lack of electric current, " Yesterday the scheduled broadcast could not take place for this reason and such disturbances may occur again, even on successive days. Listeners should tune in to the ordinary wavelength at the scheduled time. They must remember that available current must first be used for maintaining vital services, including the telegraph service. Regular transmissions will be resumed as soon as these difficulties are removed," it said.