SIR.—The proposal to include priests among compulsory-serviced fire-fighters should not be allowed without a strong protest.
The priest's first duty is towards his flock and comes before that of a citizen—nay, it Is the highest form of citizenship; day and night his services are at the disposal of his fellow-men. If the State now seeks to place difficulties in the way of the priest carrying out his duties it is for Catholics to strive to protect him from this interference. The priest's freedom from mundane duties is for our benefit.
What arc the Catholic societies doing about it'? If we do not fight to safeguard the freedom of our priests to minister to us at all times, we are not worthy of them.
CATHOLICS.