Page:Banking Under Difficulties- Or Life On The Goldfields Of Victoria, New South Wales And New Zealand (1888).pdf/169

160 who knows to what length these misguided people might have gone.

The situation of the West Coast is particularly favourable for the development of any disturbance of law and order, owing to the difficulty of access. At times the entrance to the river from the sea is entirely blocked. In 1866 the bar was closed for a hundred days. The road from Canterbury over the mountains, on which the mail coach runs twice a-week, is in places exceedingly steep and difficult. No other approach is open except the sea beach, north and south, and there is great difficulty and danger in landing, even by surf boats. In such an isolated district, where several thousand Irishmen were scattered, of course a certain proportion of Fenians were sure to be found. It may be remarked in passing that the diggers on the West Coast were as fine a race of men as could be found on any goldfield—well-grown, strong-bodied men, and generally well-behaved.

Large meetings were held, inflammatory speeches delivered, and sad to say, a priest of the Romish Church, who exercised great influence amongst the miners, did not fail to appear and aid by every means in his power to stir up dissension and trouble. Their exertions culminated in a mock funeral and a forcible entrance to the cemetery near Hokitika, to plant a huge cross with the names of the supposed martyrs. This was effected on Sunday, 8th March, 1868, with bands of music, and various devices, such as “I.R.,” “Irish Republic,” “Emmet,” “’Tis treason to love her, death to defend,” &c.

Previous to the trial taking place a demonstration was made in favour of law and order. The Fenians numbered 800, but when the procession of law-abiding citizens rolled up (from Waimea and Stafford and other outlying towns) over 1200 strong, it was easily seen what would be the result of a disturbance should the Fenians interfere with the peace of the district. Before the trial began the affair was treated as a fiasco, but having been committed by the magistrates they would have to go through the Supreme Court. Judge Richmond said the counts of indictment against the prisoners had been more carefully prepared than he had reason to expect in that remote district. He explained the law of treason and unlawful assembling. An eminent Melbourne barrister had been brought over specially to defend the prisoners. He raised points of law, some of which were allowed, and then made an eloquent speech on their behalf. Conviction followed. Father Larkin got a month for the celebration of mock masses, and was fined £20 for being in the procession. This and the other judgments were mild, and peace once more prevailed.

On one of the rushes, no need to particularise, the warden (who certainly never ought to have been placed in such a position)