The Irish Delegates.

Gisborne Standard and Cook County Gazette, Volume III, Issue 379, 19 November 1889, Page 2

The Irish Delegates.

Wellington, Saturday. The delegates addressed an immense audience in the Opera House last night. In spite of the large figure charged for admission every portion of the house was filled, and in some’ parts standing room only was to be obtained. The chair was taken by the Hou. P. Buckley, and on tbe platform there were Arcb. bishop R -dwood, Mr'George Fisher, and a large number of clergy and prominent citizens. A letter was read from Sir Harry Atkinson, apologising for his non-attendance, and explaining that he did not think he was justified in being present, as there w«re a great many settlers in New Zealand who did not hold the same views on Home Rule as he (Sir Harry Atkinson) did, but he might say that he entirely agreed with the resolutions which were to be proposed at the meeting, Tbe proceedings throughout were of a moat enthusiastic character, and when jDiilon rose to speak he was greeted with deafening cheers. Referring to the Protestant anti-Home Rule prayer meeting which was being held in another part of the town, Mr Dillon said that in his pareer he had met with various kinds nf opposition, but this was the first time be had ever been opposed by a prayer meeting. He only hoped that the prayers of those people would come back) on them before long to enable tbem to seethe Home Rule agitation in its true light. Mr Dillon went on to say . that when the delegates started on their present mission they were told ’in many quarters that they were going (on a fool’s errand, but he would take the present opportunity of saying that their efforts had been attended with such a measure of success that they did not eiian dr.eau} of attaining when they commenced their (journey ip thg oojonies, Dpring tbe , meeting a subscription list was opened in aid of evicted tenants’ relief fund, and nearly £2OO was collected. Archbishop Redwood gave £2O, Mr Buckley £2O. and St. Patrick’s College £3O. Sir T. E. Esmonds and Mr Deasey also addressed the meeting, and were accorded a very hearty welcome. Addresses were presented to* the delegates on behalf of the general public of Wellington, and by the Wellington branches of the National League and the Hibernian Society. At the conclusion of the meeting resolutions were carried expressing sympathy with the Home Rulq movement-.