CIVIC CLUB LUNCHEON.

Manawatu Standard, Volume LVIII, Issue 227, 24 August 1938, Page 4

CIVIC CLUB LUNCHEON.

ADDRESS BY MAYOR. At the Civic Club luncheon, yesterday, the Mayor (Mr T. L. Seddonl gave an interesting talk on the famous Gun Powder ‘ Plot, in which Guy Fawkes, alias John Johnson, featured so prominently that his name has come down through history. “Although considerable evidence of the plot is reported in the accounts, when sifted there is little reliable information available,” said Mr Seddon. “However, the generally accepted account is that it was discovered in the early hours on the morning of November 5, 1605, and all London was astounded at the diabolical attempt to wreck the House of Parliament, involving members of Parliament, as well as members of the Royal Family. A search of the celVrs below and aujaeent to the building was made, and gunpowder and other material discovered. A man was also found who. when apprehended, gave his. name as John Johnson and admitted that he had meant to blow up the building, but efforts to persuade him to divulge others implicated proved abortive. It was later discovered that the gang comprised 13 persons besides Guy Fawkes, and with the exception of one. Bates, all were men of blood. At the

trial all pleaded not guilty, but were found guilty and duly executed. “Thirteen men were involved, and these took a house ill the name of the gang called Percy. Underneath the dwelling, which was in close proximity to the House of Parliament, the digging of a tunnel 40 or 50 yards long was commenced in December, 1604. To penetrate to the building a stone foundation wall 9ft. thick had to be cut through. On October 26. ten days before the plot was to be brought to a climax, Lord .Monteagle received a letter warning him to absent himself from the opening of Parliament. Some days after receipt the letter was sent to the Prime Minister, who several days later showed it to the King, and steps were taken to apprehend the gang. ’There was evidence to show that the King and his Ministers had knowledge of the plot unofficially, but had feigned ignorance of such knowledge.” The plot was discovered in the early hours of the morning of November 5, and to the speaker it seemed inconceivable that Parliament should sit knowing that beneath them in the cellar were four tons of gunpowder. Why were the cellars under the House of Lords not searched until 1678, in King Charles’s reign? According to accounts, Fawkes had a quarter of an hour’s start to get away on his escape to Flanders, yet it was stated that the tide was running, and authorities stated that it would be impossible to get past London Bridge with the tide running. It was believed that Lord Monteagle knew of the plot long before he received the letter and that the Prime Minister also knew, more ot the plot than he disclosed. What lay behind it all nobody knows. We know there was a plot, but no man knows the true history of that plot, concluded Mr Seddon. A motion of thanks to Mr Seddon, proposed by Mr S. A. Cover, was carried by acclamation.