TOUR OF THE IRISH NATIONAL DELEGATES.

New Zealand Tablet, Volume XVII, Issue 35, 20 December 1889, Page 21

TOUR OF THE IRISH NATIONAL DELEGATES.

(Condensed from local papere). IK anticipation of Mr. Dillon, the lii-h Delegate's visit, the town of Abaura was pretty well crowded with people. Stretching «cr< si the •uee from Murphy's Hotel to Kenuedy's, was the " Cead -milie Failthe," whi c from Gough's stor<j hung the Star Spangled Batmer overhang by the Irish fW. Several of the housts were prettily dressed out with turns, and the several coache3 loaded wuh paseseugers left about noon for tbe Junction.

Ab^ut 5 p.m. in tbeevcsning, the party mala an appeirance, Mr. Dillon being driven in by Mr. Henry Magtll, accompanied by his family, thj next coach containing Mr. Reeves M.H.ti., the members of the reception committee, besides Keif on residents, and the settlers of Tolara Flat, etc. Having arrived opposite the Cjurt H mse tbu crowd divided, thus allowing tbe conveyances to pass through a lane, •mid long continued cheering.

The anaugemcnts made by the racep ion committee left nothing to be desired, and after an interval, allowing 'hose who arrived either on horseback or in vehic es to ie> thdr affairs in order, Mr. Dilloa appe rod before Murphy'B Hotel when an address was read by Mr. D, Nuonan.

Mr. Dillon, who appeared care worn and fatigue!, replied in a faw words, thankiun them for (he address and with expressions of gratitude for their kindues9, asked U be excused delivermg anyspeech until a later hour.

8 p.m. found Mori's public ball literally crowded, the front •eats being occupied by aboui 50 or 60 ladies. Mr. James Marshall, chairman o( the Grey County Council, presided, tbere being al o on tbe platform Messrs R Reeves, M H.rt., Magill, Lynch, X medy, G\mgn, Keoaan, Noonan, Murphy, Savage, an i tiev. Fa. her 80-vera. After ihe customary iutroducaou by the chairman, Mr. Duloc addressed the meeting. Mr. Dillon then took his seit, aad the chairman intimated thit acollection woull be nude in tie room, and tbe proceeds, as well as the entrance money, would be devoted to the cause. The collections amounted to £173.

T^e usual voie of thanks was given the lecturer, the chairman, Mr. Reeves, M.H.H., and tbeir replies, terminated iha proceedings, which were successsul to a degree.

(Greymouth Argus, Nov mber 29.)

Always enthustas ie to a dcgiea wh n the national sentiment is Ptirred, the people of Greymouth excelled themselves ia tbe enthusiasm of tne reception they gave Mr. Dillon on Sunday. Indeed hia visit to the We9t Coast must be regarded as a prolonged ovation. On Sunday morning the town was in quite a bustle, the centres of ac ivity being the livery stables, Scarcely a horse fie to be seea in a vehicle that was not made available for tbe occasion ; and th j collecti jn of vehicles that lettthe town duricg the morning en route for Ngabere station, where Mr. Dillon and company weie to be met, was represeniative of all contrivances to run on wheels. The luerymen had to Beck the Aid of toeir friends to meet the sudden rush lor horse fljsh.

As Mr. Dillon was expected to arrive in town between 5 and 6 o'clock, a grea' many people collected near tbe quarry, where ti e F undry Bind had taken up iheir position to wait for the cortege. Wnh comm-ndable punctuality the carriage containing Mr. Dilljn and a very long traiu of horses and loaded vebick-s stringing ouc behind made their appearance. la the carnage with the great Irish National L-aguer were Father < arew, A. K. Guiunesa, M.tf.R., Mr. Lynch . f Ri efton, Messrs M Phi, lips, M. M'Djnnell, F. Campbell, T. b'Donnell, Jas Cr L agh. Amongst those forming the cortege thit gAve importauca to the demonstration in honour of Mr. Dillon's arrival at Urrymouth were Borne of the best known citizeas ot Gicymju h and th. ir wives and daughters. The weaker s.-x were indeed very wall representel an 1 altogether the turj-out was the most impressive that bas ever been Been in Greymoutb, and as creditable to ih-e feehng3 of those who took part in it as it was a trioute to the geutlecnan in whose honour it was given. Af ier a short wait outside the Gilmer Hotel, where Mr. Dillon put up, he appeared ou the balcoay and wns again greeted wnh cheers.

Mr. Guinness informed the expectant crowd that John Dillon did notfeel tqut»l todehvering inaddress thiteveuinar to acknowledge tbe reception they had accorded him, as he hid spoken at Beef on, and Abaura, on the previous evening. However, on tbe following evening, at tlie Pub ie H^H, they would be afforded an opportunity of heanntr him on the object of his mission to New Z -aland,

Mr. Dil.i n addrt-ase.t a f<-w worda to the assemb age. He said it would be very difficult for bim to express all that he f It at the great Tecepiion tl.ey had given htm that afternoon, wnich h*ti quite taken him by surprise. He felt that they would not expect him to speak at any length just then, as he h id to speak next night, when he would address them ful y in connection witn ins misaio i to this country. He could oaly tender them his warmest thaaka for the way th<\y bad leceived bim ; and c~>uld see from the nature of the demonstration that the cause he represented had their hearty sympathy. He hoped that thtir meeting on the f jliowing Dight would be a magnificent success.

Mr. Dillon thpn letired and the crowd dispersed. In the evening Mr Dulon, some members of the reception committee, Fattier Carew, Father Gnaty, aud a few other sympathisers dine i tu-gether.

An enormous gathering assembled at the Public Hall on Monday evening to bear Mr. Dillon deliver an address on the Irish quntun The hnll was very prettily decorated f>r the occasion with fl igs, ferus. and otbtr litt c devici'B, so th-tt it presented rather » gay appearance. The place was bet-ieged with an eng^r crowd by 7 o'clock, at which hour tbe doors were opeued. By 730 the hall was very fuil, et-pecially tha front part. From that time until 8 o'clock tbe assemblage was increased, the stage bein? completely occupied. Tbe accommodation ia the gallery was taxed to its utirnst. By the time the proceedings were opened the hall was pretty well packed.

A fair sprinkling of ladies was to b : sea^Jj^^^^^^^^^^^^H entrance o f Mr. Dillon was th* sig lal for vocifermß^^^^^^^^^^| Guinness, E<q., M.H.R., occupied the chair. The chainunn nad th tt a great bo i mr had been coifer^^^^^H him in bei'jg placed in the proud position of having to intro!^^^H them the renowned Juhn Dillon, K-q , who h id ideatifi-d himsel^B uobly with the cau3^ oi hiiCDia ryu n. tlj trur^ Ith it fie aa h-^ ence would accord to Mr. Dillon a patient and attentive hr*riag ; but be f elt tbat he need scarcely nsk so sympathetic an auiienne to do so. Having beard Mr. Dillon at Reefton, he promis.d them a t ighly intellectual treat. He the i called upo i Mr. Djogan to present, an address to Mr. Dillon on behalf of the public. Mr. D iogan then read th*» ad ireas, which was a long and eloquently worded document During 'he Trading of the address tha m^ution of the Grand Old Man and Air. Parjell was received eich lime with cheers. Mr. E. A. Bourke, president of the Hibernian Australasian Catholic Benefit Society, read an address on behalf of that body. Mr. W. Joyce rend an addresj from the Greymouth Catholic Literary and Deba ing Society. On Mr. Dillon rising to address the audience he Jvas again greeted with a hearty round ot cheering. He returned thinks for the Dsautiful addresses tbat bad been presented to him. He said therecep ion he h id met with ever since be touch d the W st Coast made him feel at times almost as if be were in tbe heart of Tipperary itself, or some other tqua'ly hot corner of Ireland. He then weut on to speak on the Irish question, concluding with a briliiaut peroration, in which be picturea the result of rhe tfEir s of the v ute 1 democricy of Great Britain ou the aft Mrs of Ireland wnh no soldiers to maintain. Mr. DJlon then sat down amidst, loud aad prolon<' j d cheering. ' Mr. Gum less, alter referring to hd eloquent and brilliant address delivered by Mr. Dillon, annjunced that a collection would be made in aid of the object iv vitw. A stieam of subscripions began then to fljw in the sums varying from £1 to£loatd£2o. After the collections were all account-id for, Mr. Guinness announced that the amount subscribed w .s £259 7i. The receipts from door money would amount t> between £150 and £200, bringing the total amount up to about £450 (cheers). Mr. L). Sneedy moved the following resolution :—": — " That this meeting tendeis to John Dillon, Esq., M.P., iis warmest thanks for the very able and eloquent address dehverai by htm, and begs him to carry to the people if Ireland th^ expressio'i of our fullest confidence in the line of action adopted by the Hrn; Rule and great Liberal parties in their efforts to obtain, by constitutional means, the bltsiing of self-government for Ireland."

Mr. Da .iels seconded the motion briefly. He pointed out that althongh Mr. Dillon had paiutel lha hardaaips and auflE -rings of the Irish people he did not say a word as to nis owa sufferings. He hoped that the audience would signify their sympathy with him by carry ing tbe motion with a ringing cheer. Tbe Chai.man then put the motion, which was carried amidst a round of deafening cheers. Mr. Bishop moved the following motion :— " That complete autonomy in the management of Home affiira is necessary for the pence and prosperity of Ireland, aud thai the same will tend to strengthen the uaiiy and stibility of the British Empire." Mr. Bishop said it would be almost unnecessary after Mr. Dillon's eloquent address to say one word in support of tbe resolution He had matched the conduct of Irish a£E drs for the last 20 years, and he was bound 'o say that thj country w-is crudlly ul-goveiaed. It was pilpable *o pvery di- passionate observer toat all England's attempts to govern lieland bad been miserable lailures. The ouly course lef for Engl.nd to pursue now wts to auopt ihe sea me ou lined in Mr. Gladstone's Home Rule Bill. Fohis weie euterUtned th-tt H.me Kule would lead to the disnumbermeut of the Empire ; but that was a mere bogey. If Home tiu c were granted they would fi id that instead of the parchment union now existing the uniou would be a union of tbe heart. It was predic ed ih* Home Rue woull s latter the British Constitution. Weil, if in order to gratu justice to lreUud it was neccessary that the constitution be sna tered — let the constitution be shattere I. If Ireland were granted Home Kule the country would advance and flourish; capital would flo* into it as capital always fljwei wtnther there was profit to ba made, and Ireiaud's uaturnl resources were many and vaiied. Mr. W. Boa9e seconded tie m )ti m. Thjugh a trae born Ea^li-hman, he was a Home Ruler to the backbone. The only way to secure Home l.ule was to agnate, agnate, without ceasing, firmly and persis'enlly, but withal tempetately. He regarded Mr. Gltdstone as the greatest miv in Euiope, an t h; b.-lieved h3 would yet fcucce^d in compassiDg dome Rule for Irelan I (ion! applause). The resolution was ca ried with acclam iti.di unauimous y. Mr. D Hyall, in the absence of Mr. T. P. O Donneil, who was to have moved tlie resolution, moved: — •' Tbat this meeting begs to tenter to Mr. J >hn Dnl"n and his Parliament iry colleagues the tribute of its strongest admiration for the heroic fortitu le displayed by them uuder ihe heavy i rials and tenible sufferings endmed in their < Sorts to obtain redress for the many gr^vaucß of the Irish feop c." Mr. F. Campbell seconded the mo ion. He felt that after the • xcellent and eloquent . ddress given by Mr. Dillon there was really no need for Dim to do more thau f .rmally second the resolution moved by Mr. uyail. He hoped that M.\ Dillon wo aid njt be regarded as the repies>nUtive of the people in Irelan I only. Ha was the representative of every liberal miui>'d Inshin t v throughout the length ani breadth of th^ great BiUish Empire. Mr. X 'ating abked tnat Mr Davitt'a name be specially mentioned in <hs repoluiio i, as he was one of the greitest of Irish patriots, aad h id greatly suffete i for the case. Mr. J. M. Morns said that Mr. D lion not only represented all liberal minded lushmen in the co.o net, out 9J per c;nt. of all libi lal tniuded persona of all nmouah les in ih s; coloai'S. He tpoke at considerable l<n:th in favour of H ime iiule. 'Ihe name of Mr. M. Davnt was included in the motion, which was carried enthusiastically

Mr Dillon said that although the hour was late he could not leave the room without adding on>; mmc word of thanks for tne munificent meetirg they had greeted bim with. He thank d from the bottom of bis h ait those people who b-id come long dis a r ices, to Bhow toeir sympHhy with the cause. He must also thank these who were not Irisi who attended to bhow their sympathy wuh thj groat cause > f humanity in general.

He refened to the r.mirVs of his friend Mr. Morris, if he would permit him to call him so, and coicurrei wuh his remark that he (Mr D. reprtßerued all the liberal nvnded people of the colonies. Everybody did not believe in Home Ru'o, as was evidenced in Wel.lingtOD, where a prayer meeting was hnld against it. He believed if Mr. Morris were turned loose amoi.gst them ho would soon have dispersed the lot. A hearty vote of thanks was accorded to Mr. A. R. Guinness, on the motion of Mr. Dillon, who referred in grateful terms to the rourt<sy and kindness he had received from him since he first met him in Beef on. Mr. Guinness acknowledged the compliment paid him. The mteting then wound up with three cheers each for Mr. Dillon, Mr. Parnell, and Mr. G adstone.

(JKumara, Times, November 28 ) There was a very lar^ gat hen ig at tie Theaire Royal last night to hear .Mr. Dillon and Mr Thorns Henry Grattan Hgmonde. M.P., Irish Delegites appc iated by the H;m Rile party of the Imperial Parliament to place their vi>ws on the Iri-h question before the public in Austr.lia and New Z -aland. His W ir^h'p tbe Miyor (H. Burger, litq ) occupied the eh ur, and on the stage with tne d^leg ues were ihe Rev. Kathers Carew (Greym mth), B >wers (Ahaura), O'Hallahan and Wilsh^ (Kumara), and the members of the Iriso Delegates Ri caption Committee.

The c^airnunn address ngthe larliesand gentlemen, said he wished to thank the Recepti n Jommtttne m >-t hear lly for the h jnour tbey bad con'erred on I iuo in asking htm t > preside ar this m 'eting. Like a good many oth rs ptesmthedid not hail from the Kmerald Is!e, and he hoped they won d excuse bina f>r an^ shortcominj;3. Hwished on bthalf oi the people of Kumara to welcome Mr. Dillon an i Jir Thomas E-monde to X imira ( oud appUusf). Thtir objeci. was a noble one— seeking to relieve the distress of their hard-pre6sed countrymen, and to advance th ' p ihtical interests of tneir country. He hoped their mission would prove a great success. He would now intioduce Mr. Dill in (_lou \ applaus-)

Mr. Dillon, who, oq risi ig was received with vociferous cheering, gaid be must first of all congratulate them on the greit gathering th»t cvi nmg. lhe etithusiastic reception given to himself and riir Thomas E-monde wasnDre thtin woids couli express.

A collect ioD was then made, the names of subscribers being called out from the pla'form as the e-veral am >unts were handed i i. And when tr.is was fi n«-hed tne chairm in ann tuned the toul utiount to be, includiug contributions from titaff jrd and Waimea, £208 odd sbi lings.

The announcement was received with applause, and Sir Thomas Esmonde replied in the happy and humourous vein ha has accustomed his bearers to by th's time.

Mr. Dungan then, a* tha iequest of the Mayor, moved the foilowmg resolution :— " Tnat this meeting hails with feelings oi ibfinite pleasure the presence of the hish Envoys in N«w Z'alnnd, and bids a heart\ w. Icome to Mr. Dil ou and Sir Grattan Esmonde on thdr visit lo Kumaw, That we peige our^e.ves to sus am, by every legitimate means, the tminfipation of the tiller of soil in Ir. - land from the thraldom of ciuel and unjust laws, aud, under the magmfictnt leaderthip of Charles Stewan Para-ll the restoration of Ireland s Fariiamen'." In supjiort of which he made aa able epecch concluding with the lines ot Th« Divis : " She is a rich an I rare land, Oi , she's a f.e-ih and fair land, iSI c is a d ar and rare land This nutue land of mine ! "

Mr. Job n Hny ha I gnat pleasure iv seconding the resolution.— H^sud he v\ai a Scotch n*n, and aNo a Protest »nt, bat did no co-i-Bider >he prestnt a religious qu^tion Mr Hiy sjrue interesting allusioi'S to ibe prints of Lioeruli^m ii Sco Kind and recent elections tbee, which went to show the cpinior s of the peopl oi the Hume C'.untri '8 were in favour of donii p iluicil ja-tic ' io Ir.--land, ntn t .-aid he movement had lis hear iest s/mpathy (-ip|)l. m-) The resolutions were carried uu *nim >usly w th gr< at applause. Having accorded its beany thuiks by lesolution to Mr. Dillon and Sir T. Ei-monde for iheir address, having be^n thanked w .rmly by these gentlemen for the same, an \ having at Mr. Dillon's request passed a vote of thanks t> the Mayor, who, Mr. Dillon said, had treated him and his colleague with gr at courtesy and kindness si .cc thtir arrival in Kamara, the mecing broke up with loud acclamations

(Hokitika Guardian NjvemVer, 28,) Atone o'clock )esteuiay atternooD, Messrs. H.igan and Nor!facroft, acGjmpanie i by the Hey. Fa. h-r Mirtin, proceeded to Go dtboroaiih o meia and welcome Mr. ill n. Shortly after-yards Mr. Camera t '■ j i k-r-oach li ft, carrying members ■ f fe It ception Gum. mutt can t ieir fn< n Is, rt( .co npamed by ht Mir 'h ba-.d At haltpust Hi cc Mr. D.I lon's paity amved at G'.lil.yin.iough tr<.m Kimari, but b-f reas'art w, s mid< for town a numb -r of neb 0 c ildr^n und r Mr. Mnlheam, |r, H - i.ti-d an adduss At Staff id, too, a ad tre-s *as [Tte^n cd and a j .vemie proccsion condi.cud the p'<ri\ through the town, B fore Hi. kit k i was reach, d a number ot vehiclejoine.i the procession, which, p rt bsing down Revell Birett, pr.^ented quite <m imposing appenauc.'. Piom the hale my ot the Occi iental Hoiel Mi. Pi lon tbanke 1 those asbem bled fur the nearly welcome extended to him.

Mr. Dillou addressed a meeting at the Duke of Edinburgh Thea re last ever ing. Long bifore the hour at which the chair wa« to have bo. n taken the building was filled, the fair sex being well represented.

At eight o'clock the chair wag taken by his Woiship the Mayor, who, in a f -w appropii^ie wordp, introduced Mr. Dillon, and called on Mr. Michel, wi o read the Reception Uommi' tee's address

Mr. .mggan then read the addiess of the local branch of the Irish Na ional League.

Mr. W. M'Goldrick read an address from colonial-born sympathisers.

Mr. Dillon thanked the resident for (he addresses that h*d just been presented to bim, and went on to speak at lengti on the Irish question.

His Worship the Mayor then explained that subscriptions would be received towards the Irish Tenants' Relief Fund. This wai liberally responded to, the total amount collected beinj upwards of £200.

A vote of thanks and sympathy having been passed to Mr. Dillon, the meeting terminated with the usual vote of thanks to th« chair.

{Ross Advocate, Novembpr 30.)

Sir Tbomaß Grattan Ksmonde. M.P., arrived in Rosa oa Wedneeu day afternoon, accompanied by quite a cilvacade of townsfolk, who tud gone out some distance to meet the illustrious Irishman. H-i wti recived by a large crowd of patriots a id sytnpahu n in Aylmer strtet, ia front ot Bt. Patiick's Onurch, where an address was read.

Bir Thomas Esm>nle, who was received with lout applaust, heartily thanked them In their kind reception, and intimated he should address then mire fully in the Town Hill. In thi Totara Hall (which was well filled), Mr. Hirter, as chair* man, bri fl^ introduced the Irish delegate, who rose amid comiauftd applmse, and heartily thanked all fur the very kind and fne idly recepiio i. The speaker, who was frqiently applauded, gave a harrowing account of the cond tion of tde liish tenants. Mr. O. M. Neilsen, having h;ard the fair wordd of Sir Thomaß Esmonde, felt much pleasure n muvi ig that a subscription list ba op ned in the room, lie (Mr. NdUen") waa in favour of Home Rale, >-ni he hoped tio Irish cause w mid piosper (hi ar, heir). Aa for Home Rule being the m^ans of disin egrating the B -lti-th rilinpire, thtt was all bosh. If there were any «uch danger rnmacin? the Empire, you would not find the Grand Old Man, Mr. Gladstone, leading th* movement (applauße). Mr. Sharkey seconded the resolution, which was carried unani mously.and tie rtev. Father McMnnusstepping forward amnis round >f applause, h^ad^d ihe list with £5 6s, and Mews. Healy, Crowley,* Grimmond, £3 3<; and a number of others in guineas aad half guijets mare up tbe sum to £92. It was also announced that the people of Okaritj and Lake Mapourik* had contributed the sum of £16 2i. Mr. Hir er (chaii-mnn), paid a tribute to Sir Thomas Esnoonde'i efforts, and he hoped that the Irish cause, which was a good one, would succeed (applause).

Sir 1 homas Hsmonde movel a hearty vote of thanks to the chair* man, w'ao, tlth u^h not an irishman, h id so ably presided at a i Iruh meeting. Ireland would be proud of sucj assistants (hear, hear).

(Athburton Guardian, December 5 )

Last evening air I'hi maj Wsujo ide addresset a meeting at the Oddfellows' H-ill on th-) quesiion of Home Kule. D spite the high figure at which the price of tick-ts had been fixed, there was a laiga attendance, lully three hundred persons being present. The chair was tak n by Mr John C. Orr, and occupying seats on the platform were the Hey Bather Coast»guon, Messrs. P. C. Daly, D. Brick, W. Auain-i, and O'dhea Lawlor.

I ht- chairman, in introducing the speaker, bespoke for him a can f ul hearing, s-ijing that the subject on which tie was about to addi. s< them was onf> wmch concerned not this district alone, but the whole of New Z -aland and the whole uf the British Empire. They would hear from the lips of Sir Tnotnas Esmonde what it waa >h; Irish mtion asked for and why they n&kel for it, aad it was fjr tne me. ting to say wheih^r th • reg lest of Sir Thomas on behalf of the Irish people was a na-o >able one or hoc.

Let'ers of apulogy from several gentlemen who had been invited to attend were read, and ia some ciß'B where the aud eace did not deem th> t xplaaa'.ions satibfactory, they testified i heir disapprobation by huotin^.

An a idress wjib read by Mr. W. Adams.

Sir T hsmonilf, who, on his appearance on the platform, wai thirecipi'nt of an enthuaias'ic g<e 'ting, the au lience stand n^ up >n t cheeiing vociferously, waving h its and h mdk. robL'fs the while, wasagtui treated to an ovation when presented with the address, which was printed on white satin.

Sir Thcmas, w.io was a^ain cheered with great enthusiasm, said that he thanked them from the bottom of h a heart fjr the very eloquent address which had just bean presented to him, and he tnankei tl crn very gratefully and sincere y for the extraordinarily warm reception 'bey ha i a:corded him. Tie meeting waa as enthusiastic as any he hid m t with during bis whole progress through the col mie ,bit it did ntn >t nee i the answer of their cheers to Bhow that there »c ein this district of Asbburt >n men and w men who hympithined with the --iiffei > rii? pe *p'e in lieland as warn v aad as cntf us astic illy as a-iyho ly oa ihe face uf in ■ etrth In *d Ires-ioj 1 h >t au Hence m I m lo king o i th • face* bef jre hi n, a tn in mlgnt >'C panio'ird ir h • f >r_'ot f .r the ra m'nr that he w is ii New Z 'aland nn.l ttioug' i t h*t he was o- a m *re in Irelanl. The dJega • weit oa to ddiv.T an <'log i> j nt np"eoh o \ the ihi question.

fcii t Thomas, who Lai been frequentl. cheered ..unng lhe oourse of hi i speech r h .me i his sett ami l lou'i and long-cnunu >d app ause. Mr. v. Bnck mov-d that a sufscription list be opened, in order hat those present might have an opportunity of testifying their practical sjmpatby wuh the cause which had been bo ably advocated by Sir Thomas Esmonde.

The Rev. Father (Jhastagnon secondel the resolut'on, and characterised the raase for which the subscription was to be started^ Til., the Evicted Tenants Fund, as a noble and humane one,

Suibt'p ion* were iffjiel freely, and in a qu.rterof an hour the sum of £101 was c >llected. Ih; rect-ips fiom the sale of tickets will amount to ab_>ut another £100.

Sir Thomas Ssmondf retun>el thanks for the esnerous re c ponse mike by the audience. Wnat, th^yhal dons hat nitfht wa9 ano'her blow struck at tyrtnav and oppression in Ireland, and another forward ■ttp towards the n generation of their race. He moved a vote of thunks to the Chairma.i.

The Rev. Fathtr (Jhastagnon to"k the opportunity of explaining that the Mayor, who ha-l beo-i asktd to p-esda, hid an important prior engagement in < hiitchu'ch or he w>uld have been present th t nigbt. Mr. Thomas hai wri leu a latter stitiug tiis ani express ug bis regret at being unable to hi tend, and this explanation, should, Le thought, be considered satisfactory. (Expressions of d'S93nt.) Tbe meeting brake up with cheers for the delegates and Home Bale. This morning Sir Thomas G. Esmonde was taken to the convent •chools, being driven there by Mr. D. Hrick, and accompanied by Rev, Father Chastagnon and a number of town and cou ttry people. Oa arrival at the schools the party were received by the Sisters, and took thtir places in the main schoolroom, which was very nicely decorated with fi^wers and foliage. The scholars were all present and were dressed in white, with gre°n sashes and ribbons. Sir. Thomas Esmonde was introduced to the scholars by the Rev. Father (/haxta^non in a few appropriate seniencis, in which he exprei-sed bis great pleasure at tbe visit of Sir Thorn -is to Asnburton, and welcomed him to tbe schools on behalf of the Bisters, the scholars and himsrlt. Miss McGrandell, one of the elder scholars, then reid an address of welcome, this being beautifully engrossed on vellum and illuminated in gold and colours, and backed with white sain. Sir Thomas was also presented on behalf of the scholars, with two beautiful bonquets and a purße of t n sovereigns, towards tbe evicted tenauls. the presentation bui«g made ay Miss Prendergst.

The Bt nior scoolars th»-n snug " Trie dear little Bhamro< k," which was followed by an instrumental rio on two pianos and barminium, by three young l«dy s^hilars. Miss Nev n then recited a piece entitled " Gladsti na and Ireland." Another muscalium, a piece for two violins, pian<> and barmo ium, followed, the scholars giving in conclusion wiih tall chorus and instrumental tff;ct 'God save Ireland."

Sir Thomas Esmonde returned his thank * for the address, wh eh in itself was a work of art, and illuminated n a maaner showing the native genius of the Irish, He had gn-at pleasure in mcc ing so mai.y young ladies who were in sympathy wiih tb« liishcauue, and he bare testimony to the good fruit of the iustruc ijn they received from their good priests, Sis era and nuns. He thanked them greau/ f>t the sacrifice they had made of thur pocket money, in giving such a Tery liberal donation to the fund* for the relief of distress in Ireland, bnch chanty was sura vf a reward hereafter. He had much enj >yed the music and singing that morning, and if they all did as well in tbeir oiher studies, they would succeed indeed. Th^ warmth of his reception by them was very grateful to him and in conclusion he hoped they would have a holiday preteited them by tbe Sisters. Three hearty cheers were then given for Sir Thomas by all present, and tbe visitors returned to Aabburtoc, much pleased with their reception and tbe convent schools.

(LytUlton Times, December 3.)

Tre Theatre Royal was crowded in every part last eight in response to the announcement that the Irish delegates would speak there on the subject of their mistijn. The ladies abundantly showed that they take an interest in the question of Home Rule, for they composed no small portion of the audience. The stage was occupied by a number of prominent citizens who are friends of the Home Enle cauß°. On the cur am being raise 1 loud and long-con-tinued cheering rang through the building. On the motion of Mr. Guinness, seconded by Mr. O'Connor, Mr. W. B. Perc< val took the chair. Mr. Nolan read an address on behalf of the Irishmen and eympath sers of Home Rule for Irelan i in ChiUtchurch and North Canterbury. Mr. O'Brien read an address from ihe Hibernian Society. Mr. D,llon Ihen spoke on the Irish question, and on the teimination of bis spetch a collection was takeu up throughout the audience, and in all about £350 was subscribed. Toe chairman then C»l td on Sir Thomas Ksmonde to address t\ c meeting. Oa the conclusion of the address Mr. W. P. Reeves, wt o was received with loud applause movei " That this meeting believes Home Rule necessary for the we. fare nf Irelind and the best means of securing true union between the different portions cf the British Empire." Mr. Garamack briefly seconded tt c motion, which wa9 then put by the crairman and carried unanimously amidet great cheering. Mr. W. P. Reeves calLd for '• thrfe cheers for Jhn Dill jn," which were most hear. lly given. Mr. Dillon desired to express his thanks for the enthusiasm and kindne3B the mcc ing had Bbown ihe delegates. Ha moved a Tote of thanks to the chairman, and wished also to thank Mr. Heeves, whom he had been pleased to meet and know us a friend, for his sincere and enthusiastic support of the Irish cause. He was glad that two repreeentatives of New Zealand bad aitended the meeting and supported him that night. The vote of thinks to the chairman was carried by acclamation, and, after cheers bad b?en given for Sir T. Esmonde and Mr. W. P. Reeves, the meeting terminated.

(Temiika Leader, December 7th).

At eight o'clock tht me^tiag was held in tbe large Volunteer Dr llßhed.^which was beantitu.ly decorated for the occision by Air. J. Beri, who deserves very great prase fjr the taste he displayed in the woik. The platform was draped with red, white, «n I blue, and dicorated with evergreens and cut fljwer?. Atttn-ba^k was displayed the Gaelic motto of thfl Caledonian Society •' Gumnigh air na daoine on d 1 thanig ihu" (Remember the people you cm : from;, an i beneath it in ltrge letters *' Welcome." The walls were tastefully deeoraud with evergreens, and from the roof weie suspended flags, conspicuous among which were tbe Natiooal baanen of England,

InMon ', an I Scotland. On the motion "f M•. Qiian, eeiiaded bj Mr. D Henry, tne chtir Wi9 taken by Mr K. F. Gray, Oaiiraun of the Town Board, and upon the Dlatf jrtn were tue R vs. T. A H imilton and d B relay, and thj Rev. F itaera Fm vel an! Tracey. Messn M. Qiim, J. U. r«v>m3/. T. C>na)lly. J Fi zge ali, A Kilmm, T. Genney, J Mu-idell, D. Heary, Mr. So in mil, A R isiell, S.Uoujjblao, i\ O. Me a thy D. H>.arrt, J. Otano ly, VI. OD is: .11, E. Le*, J. Brosnahan, M. Brophy, P. McShane.T. Duly, K. B irks, W. Fi z>erald, P. Burke, L ary. J. Sugrae, an i J An^lan I. Th s boly of the h ill was completely filled, a la-ge proportion biing ladies. Every saat was occupied and maay hai to stand. Thera werd prjbably about 800 persons present.

The chairman expressed the pleasure he felt at being asked to preside at such a large snl representative gathering, among whom he was pleas dto see so mmy ladies He tmsted that they would go away thoroughly eulijhtened by Sir Thomas Ksmonde on ihesubj'ct on which it was his special pleasure to speak. He was pleased to preside that evening for many reasons. Tbe questions involved matters of the utmost importance to the Home O >untry, and to tbe Coloni, sas a whole. The maaner in which the Delegates had been received was npro jf that the causa they represented waa a good and right one. It was not necessary to be an Irishman to appreciate that. He himself was a Scotchman, and be claimed that nineteen out of every twenty Scotchmen were Home Rule s. It was not his province, however, to go into that question, but he would introduce to them Sir Thomas Esmonde, and would claim for him a fair tnd impartial hearing.

Mr. J. M. Twnmey read an address of welcome from the people of Tetnuka, Gera'dine, Pieasmt Poi >t, snd inttrvtnii g districtssigned M. Quinn, chairman ; J. M. Tw«.mey, secretary ; G. M.cß, Gentlemun, treasurer ; A. Russell, M. Bcannell,J Kinsgerald, E. Lee, J. Angland, T. Daily, A. W. Gaze, P. Dilton, J. Brosnahan, W. N, Oathro, K. Brophy, J. Connolly. E. Burke, D Henry, P. Ryan. Members of Coaimittee. Sir T. E-monde then delivered aa eloquent, address. The speaker resumed his seat amidst loud and prolonged cheering.

Tne chairman thou?ht tMs was a fitting time to tell them what ha l been done towards t c fund. Taey showed their sympathy by their presence, and he was plei^ei to say their contributioas amounted to a considerable sum, more than he had ever expected. Tbe »m mnt collected was as follows: Temulca and Pleasant Koiat, £150; Gerald'ne, £80; miking a total of £230, wuich, comideiing the hard times, was highly sa'isfactory. The following resolution, oroposed by the Rev. G, Barclay, and t «c.nded by the Rev. T, i Hamilton, was carried unan mously ; That this meeting is of >{» moo. that Home Rule as f-it as it contemplate* the amelioration of mattrs agrarian and social in Ireland is worthy of all sympathy and support." Mr. M. Quinn moved a hearty vot3 of thanks to Sir Thomas Esmonde for hia able and clear exposition of Hjme Rnle, whicu was seconded by Mr. John Mundell.

(Temuka Lczder, December 10.)

On Friday, prior to his departure, Sir Thomas Esmonde visited the Convent School, in company of Rev. Father Fauvel and Mr M. Quinn. A very pleasing programme of songs, recitaticns, and instrumental selections had been prepare!, but, owing to the necessity of bis travelling by the express, only a portion of it could be gone through. The children sang very tff c ively " Tne dear little sLamrock " and " God save Ireland." Two of the male scho'ars Bang " Where the grass grows green " and •' Pat of Mullmgar," and Miss Connolly sang very pathetically indeed, •• Come back to Erin." Tbe accompanimen's were pliyed by MissQainn. Miss Lucy Quinn then read the following add^s from the scholars : — " To Sir Thomas Grattan Esmoade, Bnrt., M.P. '•Dear Sir, — We, the children of 3t. Joseph's School, tender to you our heartfelt thank 9 for honouring us here to day by your presence, and most cordially do we welcome you from the dear land of oar parents. " Accept our mite, accompanied as it is with our deepest synv pathy for the poor suffering child en of Ireland. " We wish you every success in what still remains to be done of the noble work id. which you are engaged, " Again thanking you for the honour y)U have conf jrred on ns, permit us to sign ourselves, yours sincerely, — Tha pupils of the Convent Schools, Temuka.' Tbe address was accompanied by a purse containing *4 given by the children towai'is the renef fund, and by a bouquet of fl jwers. la acknowledging the presentiiion S.r Tnomis expressed hit rejjrdt that the limned time at his disposal tud preven edb ion from bearing the fall programme which they hai so kindly prepared for hia enjoyment. The s j lec ions i c had heard were a source of pleasure to him, and he was glad that they were giving their attention to the ancient music ami songs of Ireland. He hoped they would study not only the music but the his ory of Ireland, the land of their fathers. It was pleating to travellers like himself to fiad the interest taken in their, lav 1 an 1 thesympithy hey everywhere met with was mistyra ifyi g Sir Thomaa concluded by giving the obildreasom^aivica as tj attention to their studies, and Hiked that they migh' bd granted a holiday in commemoration of his visit. A brief inspection of the church was then made, after which Sir Thomas was escorted to the train.

Mr. John Dillon had an enthusiastic reception at Wai mate on Wednesday, where he addressed a large meeting in the evening, the Mayor presiding. His address was enthusiastically received, and a resolu ijn in favour of Home Rule en husi*stically carried. Mr. Stewatt; M.H.R, and Mr. J. Sinclair ep <ke io favour of the resolution. A purse and an illuminated address were presented.

(Tvapeka Times, Dcembpr 10.)

Sir Thomas Esmonle, one of the liish delegate", arrived by the mid-day train yeiterday, and received a nust enthusiastic recept on. A large number of people bad assembled at U» railway nation and

Anxiously awaited t^e arrival of the train. Among those on the plat* form were the Key. Fath '.r O Leary CChairmaa of tbe Raception C >mmittee), Mr. F. M. Byrne, Hon. B 'cretary, as well as the other gentlemen deputed to act in that capacity. As the train steamed into the stition, a good deal of enthusiasm was manifested, and as Sir Thomas Bumoide descended on the platform, be was repeatedly Cheered. It response to tha cheers and congratulitioos of his admirers, be smiled good-bum mredly, bowin?to the right and to the let', and shaking hands with the greatest cordiality and freedom from reserve. Af'er some little diffical'y, when the enthusiasm of his friends had somewhat abated, he was taken to a carriage which was in waiting, and promptly driven to the Commercial Hotel. After lome little time he,appeared on the balcony, and briefly addressed the people below. He thanked them cordially for the reception they had given him, an<* omplimented them on the spirit of patriotism and love of country which he could see existed among th«ra. In welcoming him, as the representative of the Irish people, they were ■h jwing that they had not forgotten the old land ; that, its traditions and its memories still lived among them, and ih it they were ready to assist them in obtsinin^ the same riyht — the right of self-govern-meut — as the people of ih s free Colony enj >yed. In Ireland, he said, were he to address a meeting of this kind, the police woul t be let loose upon them, and blooished aui brutalry woald be the result. But bere he coul i see one benefi -ont and mild-featured police constable who, instead of beins* I imself a disturber of tne peace, wis tbe friend of order and the protect >r of the people, During the delivery of his xetnarka, Sir Thomas Eimonlo was lou Hy cheered.

In appearance, the Irish envoy is decidedly y iuthful,b a ing about 27 or 28 years of age, though he looks even younger. In in inner be is extremely affable an i ucnff -ctcd, h<i3 jusc the p eisant flavour of tbe brogue in his tones, a >d exhib ts in every gesture aad turn of his conversitioa the unmistakaole n^tincts of a gentleman. His dress is as artli si and as simple as a s manner, and c r ainly no one casually meeting him for the firpt time woul 1 suspect tnat he was one of the tri > whoi-e appear >nee in the 0 >lony has been exciting -men a mixture of hostility on the oue side and of passioaate fervour on the other. In his brief address, after his arrival, he emphasised in* fact that both himself and his colleagues had been accused of the most appalling crimes, and charged with harbouring some very atrocious designs since their arrival in the Colony ; au<i, certainly, looking at the iooff^nsive-looking young gentleman himself, and the half-amus -d, ha f-wonderins expr 'B-tioQ wuh which he made the announcement, one c v d hirdly help agreeing wiih him that th^ri must be some mistake in i he mate r. All thjse 'hiatis he utilis >s o humour and divert nis listener*, and a eg s ) in a manner tbat he never misses bin miik. As a speaker, he is fl ie it, persuasive, an I pointed, but has none of that passn nate expr ss-iin that we ge lerally look f>r in Ceitic orators. At the same time, he tells his story wi h a good deal of force, has the knack of investing everything he says with intereHt, and can at times be puheic as well as forceful. H^ has ha 1 an immense amount of practice ii p iblic speaking, having now been about eightten months tn veiling ani aliiressmg popuar audiences. Out cf that time he has s^e it twelve months in America, has addressed sores of inte ings in re, raked in the dollars in thousands, and met an I c mvers d with all kiuds and ondi'io Bof people. He is an inveterate coll cor of cutms, has at present a perf ct armoury of every weapon and eviry thing else wor h lookrig at to ba found among ti e 'lbongui il tribes on the Australian Cauti ieot. He has travelled many thousands of n.il^s since his arrival in Australia gome •ix months ago, prof -ss^s to bj weary of the mc ssant tiavell.iig which his prtsent life impo-es on him, yearns f >r home, and vow» that nothing but theitit.n-iy cf his love for what be pathetic .Ly calls ihe Old Land, and his eympa 1 hy f >r the suff rings of the people, would induce him to ULidiruke h s ptesent mission,

Sir Tnomas addressed a lir^eiy-a'te ided public meeting in the Town Hall l^at evening on '• liish Kvictijns and Home R^lj." His Worul ip the Mayor presi led. An address was piesn'ed to Sir Thomas by Mr. F. M. Bjrne on behalf of the local Committee.

(Bruce Herald December 13.;

A lecture was delivered in St. George s Hall on Wednesday evening by Mr. John Dill m, vi.p., one of tne delegates of the Irish National L ajue. Mr. VV. Moore occupied tbe chair, and the hall was about three paits filled.

The Key J. O'lseiJ read a draft copy of the following address, signed by Mr. J. B. and a number of other gen 1 men, a >d intimaled thai wh<n properly engrossed or printed, ftf t wtnch there had uot be n time, it would be foi warded so Mr. Dillon :—: — " Addres-i of welc me lo Mr. John Dillon, M P.

" Dear Bir, — Allow us to LfEer you a hearty welcome to our town on the part of the sjmpathisers with the object of your mission. Not alone Irishmen, bu*. bcotchmen and Eng'ish.nen unite in feelings of respect f >r you , by rei s>n i f ye ur t igh chai acter, st r ing patriotism, and unflinching courage under the bufferings that nave been inflicted on you f r your convictions. The mission of mercy on which you have voluuta lly c ime to the colonies i* one thai is we I calculated to aro me tt c generosity of all faii-mriried aud U'ipreju need men. ' You are not, as we well know, an emistsry of assassins orcommui is s. as t hostil ■ Pre.«s has in many parts of the colonies endeavoured to show. Your policy is not one of disintegration of ihe Empire, but is meait r^tih r t > consolidate the component parts of the British Do-nun ins by a 1 mi >g aut'>m my to a nation which has nevrc nsented to th. unjust act by which it was deprived of its lftfislatute. We tiust that Uie 'iaae is not far off, when tne English Government will leco^msj that the in crests of the commonwealth wnl he best forwarded by freey conceding to Ireland her legitimate dtm nds.

" Siyn'-d, en behalf of the sympathisers — J. B. Sc?nlon, M, Kett, J. O'Neill, F. Grant, P. Walsh, J. O'Donnel, James Goodall, W. Murphy, W. Moo*e, T. Halpia, T. Canon. Milton, December 11, 1889." Tbe Key. P. O'Leary (Lawrence) moved :— " That this meeting fully sympathise with the objects of the Home Rule movement, believing that the possession of its own parliament by Ii eland will be

beneficial to Irishmen in the first place, and also to the entere British Bmpir ."

Seconded by Mr. J. Dunne (Bilclntha), and carried. The R?v. P. O'tfenl m>ved, and Mr. Byrne (Lawrence) seconded a vote of thank-t to Mr. Dillon, which was also carried with applvKe.

The Rev. J. O'Neill read a list of subscription! collected, which amountei to about £89, and stated that there would ba considerably more to be added to that su m. The proceedings closed with a vote of thanks to the chairman.

(Southern Standard, December 13.)

There was a large and enthusiastic assemblage at the Gore railway station on Tuesday afternoon when theDunaiin expresidrew up. Sir Taomas Esmonde waa on board, but it took the leadsrs of the Reception Committee some time to discover in the pUinly-dressid young man who waa looking after his lugarage the dessaaimt of thft great Grattan. Sir Thomas Ettmnde wai received by the Rev. Fvher Newport and t-everal members of the Committee, and driven off in a coach and pair to Holland's H itel. Toe hotel was gaily decorated with evergreens and a motto, and an Irish flit? was flying from » fltflniard. Bound the hotel a large crowd gathered, and upon Sir Thomas coming oat on the balcony he met with an enthusiastic reception.

Mr. Richard Walsh, of Pukerau (secretary of the Reception Committee) read an address. Notwithstanding the high price of admission, the Town Hall was crowded in the ev<n ng. Tne place hid been nicely decorated with flags and evergreens. Portraits of Messrs. Gladstone and P«rnell were placed on eac i side of the st*ge. The ihiir waa tak n by Mr. J. G. Eraser, who was supported br tbe Rev. Father Newp >rt and Messrs. I. S. Simson, J. MacGibboo, F. S. Canning, and A. Aitken.

Tbe Cnairmm Baid : Of one thin? I am perfectly certain—- you did not pay your h Uf-criwis and half-guineis for admission ti.hjar me speak. It would not ba well, however, to lauoch the spuakir of the evening upon yoi like a hot thu iderb>lt, before be had had time to look in>o your faces an 1 rei ne th >t he w»s among friends. Tbe Chairman read ai addresi from the ladie^ woo pr--santed the delegate with a set of beautifully c i graved gold stuis and sleevelinks. Sir Tnomis Esmmde tnen addressel tbe m;otin^.

The address hat been applauded at frequeit intervals daring its delivery, tn Sir Taomis resuinad his seat amidst pro'oaged cheers.

A collection wig theu taken, aid the Riv. Father Newport nnnouoced tut £59 I )s 61 had baen collected in aid of the Irish Evicted Tenants' b'u id.

Mr Jjnn MacGhbbm, junr., said the pleasant duty devolved upon him of proposnj a heart? vote of thanks to Sir Tn >mas E<m >m le for his address ani an expression of svmpatbv ia the cause which be had co eirnestly advocate 1. He (the speaker) waa a colonial, and knew nothing ot the struggle across ths watir. Hi spoke as a colonial woo had sympathy wt'h. the Irish people. Ha hid retd thit the Gr*ad Old Maa was a Hjme Ruler, and he was bjunl t> say every man ia tbe meeting tnat mgat was a Houaa Ruler. Kvery olonist wai one. Had th-^y not the fieedon of tne btUot-b>x fr.>m one end of the colony to the o h^r ? They had manhood sufirag ', but after beiag reßid< nt 6 months in any district in the colony a man had the privilege of the franchise. Tnat was a greater privilege than they had in tha Old Cj.ntry. The only reason he heard ursjel agumt Hima Rn'e was that the French and Spa-uards would mik< a ren lezv ius of [reland, and byt-and-bye burst up the British Empire. They had Irishmen there that nu.hc.and he would a-k any man if tney were not honest and straightforward, ani as gjo i colonists aa any o h^r class of men (applause). They ha I his sympithy and he wjuld auiit them all he could. Di 1 not the Irish share in the lustre of »he British arms, and dd they not figat fur the Qjean? Tne Irish regim nta would stand alongside auy other for bravery, and Irishmen should not be judged too harshly. If Ireland was granted Home Bole to-morrow, she would be as loyal as any colony, and he hoped the day would not be far distant when Ireland wjuld have what she now asked for (app aus ). He movsd his resolution of thanki and By m pat by. Mr Andrew Aitken paid he had great pleasure in seconding the motion. His f xpnence was different to Mr. Mac Gibbon's. He haJ lived in the old land and seen part of the oerci->n. H« had b*en a Home Ruler for over twen>y years, and hal gr at pleasure in s. coodiog Mr. M^cGibbon'd m tion. He considered it must be pleasing to Sir Tinmiß Ksmonde to see s ■ many present that evening, who thai bhowed their sympathy with tbe object he had advocated. Colonial! had an interest in the Home people. This was shown in New South Wales, when the colonists volunteered and went to the Soudan. The contributions of the co'onies to the recent dock strikers' fund was another instance of their interest in the Home people. He considered the httpndance that evening was a ci edit to Gore, and it gave him great pie tsure to second the resolution. The Rev Father Newport hpie stated, wi h the amounts previously mentioned, the sum of £15 bud been taken at the doon, and the total amount for the t£v'c<ed Tenants' Fund, including odd laoi, was over £80 (loud applause.) Tie mo ion was then put and carried unanimously, amidst pro-loDgt-d applaute. SirThoman Esmonde replied. The cba'rmaa relumed thanks, and the meeting dispersed.

(Southland Times, December 13.)

Mr. John Dillou, arrived in LivercargiW yesterday afternoon by ihe northern express. A deputation of the 1 >cal reception committee had gone ont to One Three Poi \t and there j jined the distinguished visitor. A large number of people assembled on the platf jrm, and as Mr. Dillou alighted from the train hearty cheers were given by those who were near enough to distinguish him. With some difficulty the party made their way through the crowd to a carriage and pair provided by Mr. D. McGregor, which was entered by Mr/ Dillon ,

Mr. H. Feldwick, Mr. James Mackintosh, and Mr. M. O'Brien, secretary to the committee, who drove to the Club Hotel.

Mr. Dillon addresssd a meeting in the Theatre Royal in the evening. There was a large attendance Mr. Henry Fe'dwick, M.H.R., was in the chnir, anl on the platform were Sir Robert Scout, K.C.M.G.. Rev. Father Walsh, Rev. Father Murphy, Key. A. H. Stobo. Key. F. W. Isitt, and Messrs. M. O'Bnen, Jam s K;lly, W. J. MeKeown, F. P. O'Keilly, D. Campbell, P. Dalrymple, J. P. Joyce, and James Mackintosh.

The chairman said that he had taken the chair at the request of the R-ception Committee formed o meet Mr Dillon aud dir I'aotna9 Eimonde. He was sura th it hi nee I not appiil to taa court say always shown by an Inv-rcargill audieace. He neei aot expatiate in any way upon tbe object which Mr. Dillon was advocating. — Thpre was little doubt th-u M". Dillon's nime would go down in the history of his oun'ry. and whe i h5 us>d tiat expressioa us maatit the htßtory of the British Empire, njt of any couury separated from the Briiifh Empire. If he believed that Mr. Dillon meaat the latter he would not have been there that evening. Th^ chairman concluded by bespeak ng for their distinguished visit ir a careful hearintr (cheers). An address was iead aad presented to Mr. Dilloa by Mr. M. O'Bri°n, tie hon. secretary of the Hdceptioa Comnittee.

Mr. Dillon, who wa9 received with load applause, desired to thank the committee aad tne ciiiz>as of lavercargill for the address and also for thj ki id ani nure tbau kind welcoms which thay bad given him on hia arrival. He had an expUnxtioa to m ik>3 witd refa eace to Sir Thomis Esmoride, wbo ha i to att^ id two mietiu^s next day elsewhere, so that it was impossible to be ia lavercargill that eveniag. He f'-lt it to be a great privilege to be allowed to aldress sj large and representative a gathering on the gr;at q'ie3tioa of Horns Kule for Ireland. He tbea want on to speak at length on. the question. — Tbe speaker, who had been fr>qieatly interruptel by appUuse, resumed his seat amid lou 1 and proloage i deai3astrat.io.is of approval.

Mr. Jas. Mackintosh said ha had much pleasure ia moving the f:llowin^ resolution : "Thtt the explanations given by Mr. Dillou have satisfied this meeting tint dome Kulef jr Irelaad would remove the existing irritation, anl bring about a m >re perfect andcoriial union with Gr^at Britain thaa at present exists ; and that- this meeting's tbauka ba accorded to Mr. Dillon fjr his lucid etpositio i of trie Home Kuie anov meat." Tn > m >ver sai i be had listened with great pleasuie to the very clear 'Xjomion given by Mr. Dilloa of thepodaonof matters in Irelaad. He wis sure all were convinced thai Ireland won d never ba satisfiei till hhe go; Horn- Rale, and that every Liber d in Binan a 9 welc as in the coloaies was m favonr of the movement. He belisved that at the next general election in the Old Country a maj >nty would be returnei in favour of HoTie Rule, and that IreUnd's wish would b^ gratified. Ie was folly to say that Iribhaun could n>t govera themsilves, because all over the world they Wdre foua 1 occupying higa aal distinguished positions. He heartily sympathise with tne movement, and believed the great msjo'ity ot Liberaia did s ) also.

Mr. F. P O'Reilly seconded the motion, also expressing sympathy with the movement and higa apprecutiun of Mr. Dillon's character, intellect, aud ability as a state^mm.

The Rev. F. W. Jsitt most heartily supported tha resolution, stating that he did not know a single m »n i i tje Co onv wao oppoied Home Rule who d.d n .t do so b/cmse ho thought it m;ant the disintegration of the Empire, Hehil been co iviaced before th it no such danger existed, t'nt Horn- Rale would strengthen theuni>n between Britain and Ireani, aad a nee he had h-ard Mr. Dillon ho was ten times more onvinced. lewis b ctuseo' this conviction, because hu love I England, and becaise he loved Irelaad as a pare of the British Empire, that be had useu to support the resolution.

Sir Robert S:out also a-ldressed the meeting, advocating the claims of the Ins i to H >me Rule, an 1 urging tha 1 they would never favour a policy to disastrous t:> themselves as separation from Britain and the Briuib Kmpire. He also combated the i Jea that, H ;tne Rule in lieiand would meau the tottl subj ctioa of Ireland to the Uhurca of Rome as the sta'esrnen who were «trtting for that right wuuld certainly not be inclined to ha id over the power of government when gained to the clergy. tie instanced Belgium as a Koman Catholic country, and asked if it were governed by the Cburch. There could be nothing ia thu worl 1 a^iinsr givi ig the Irish the pjw^r to gov«in tbem!selv< s ; it could not be said that tbey were uncivilised, incao ible.orunfic, wnen the st iti-nun, au'hiK9,ai ism, poets and other di-tingmshed men she h^d p<o luced weie retiembere 1. If Ireland had the government of its own aff A s for eigh'y years an 1 made no better job of it than England had done, he nrg^t be inclined tj believe that she was nnfit to have the power. After refemug to the various phases of the question, Sir Robert conclu ud by px pressing tbe conviction that evt y Liberal in S-iuthlaod Wjuld sym,jaihiße with the movement and look fortvard to the time whea lieland would have raised it elf to the position which it ought to occupy in the e>es of everyone who called h:m elt a Liberal aad everyoue wh ; called himSelf a m >n,

Mr. J. P. Jo\ cc made a few rem irka in support of the resolution, expUn i.ivr t ,at the fun 1 whi vi was being raised was t j aid tne Irish te> a its in their hml and v eq'ial fi<bt against tae landlords, aad hoping that M>. D 11 >a wo ud return to England with renewed Blreuf; h ami vigour to carry his gr.-u wo k to a successful is,up.

The Chairman announced 'hit t .earn >vat collected in Southliad for the fui,d (including tbe suva taken at tne do us and subsequently Contributed by these p et>ent) *as about £200. The motion was <hen pu aid earned wuhout dissent. Mr. D lion acknowledged tbe compli'Ut nt and thanked the peonle of Southland forth lr lib Tal ontnuution towards th^ fund. Halso tendered his siticero lhanks to Sir Robert Scout for the ablu at ßl stance he had given on two ocjaaion-, aad the chairman for the kiud and courteous welcome he had received. The proceedings closed with the uaual vota of thanks to the chairman.