MR MICHAEL DAVITT.

Evening Star, Issue 9835, 25 October 1895, Page 4

MR MICHAEL DAVITT.

At the Chamber of Commerce last night a meeting of gentlemen was held to make arrangements for the reception of Mr Michael Davitt to this City. There was a good attendance.

Mr J. B. Callan was appointed chairman, and Mr John Murray secretary. The Chairman said he expected Mr Davitt would arrive here about the end of the first week in November. He was touring Australia apart from any orgauisation whatever, and would lecture on subjects which affected all classes. Of course, he had taken a lively interest in Irish affairs, but he had also labored very hard in the interests of the working classes of Great Britain.—(Applause. ) Mr Davitt was recognised as a most prominent public representative, and one who was confided in by the labor classes as well as by the Radical and Liberal section of the people. It was unnecessary to dwell on hU history, as it was well known. He was, in the speaker's opinion, the most disinterested man in public liie. That was one claim he had upon them. Another claim was that he had devoted the best years of his life to tho cause of his fellow-men—not only to his own countrymen, but to all classes who were in need of help and assistance. Those who had read his addresses and knew what were his views were most anxious that he should have a good reception.—(Applause.) Mr Murray reported that he had received communications from various centres where people were anxious to hear and receive Mr Davitt. The Chairman stated that so far a3 that was concerned all would depend on the time Mr Davitt proposed to spend in New Zealand. If he adhered to his present arrangements, of leaving Auckland by the Alameda on November 30, he would simply have to ru3h through the country. A cable to the following effect, had been sent to him : "Give us two months. Postpone voyage Home. Time here too short" ; but no reply had a3 yet been received. In reply to a question, the Chairman said Mr Davitt had especially requested the Reception Committee iu Queensland to minimise his labors as much aa possible by avoiding public displays—such as processions, banquets, addresses, etc.—otherwise his health would break down from overwork, t.nd he would have to abandon his tour.

Mr J. J. Connor said that, seeing Mr Davitt's status in Liberal circles at Home, he thought that perhaps the Trades and Labor Council would like to take part in tendering him a welcome. That day he had taken it upon himself to wait upon Mr Judge and Mr Slater to invite them to be present that evening. Mr Judge expressed the pleasure it gave him to be present, but stated that in attending the meeting he did so in his individual capacity, and not as the representative of any body. However, he would gladly recommend to the Trades and Labor Council and to the Workers' Political Committee the desirability of taking some steps in the matter. —(Applause.) If there was not sufficient time to do bo at the ordinary meeting he would call a special meeting. Mr A. R. Barclay moved—"That all present this evening band themselves into a committee to prepare for the reception of Mr Davitt." Mr F. Mkknan seconded the motion, which was carried.

The Committee were empowered to add to their number, and Mr John Murray was appointed convener. The secretary was instructed to write to the Trades and Labor Council, the Workers' Political Committee, and to the Knights of Labor, asking their cooperation.