The Irish Envoys in Melbourne

New Zealand Tablet, Volume XXXIV, Issue 25, 21 June 1906, Page 4

The Irish Envoys in Melbourne

The Melbourne Town Hall was packed to overflowing on the night of June 1, on the occasion of the public meeting held by the Irish envoys, Messrs. Devlin, M.P. and Donovan, who have come to Australia in support of the campaign, for obtaining Home Rule for Ireland. Several hundreds of persons were unable to obtain admission to the hall. His Grace the Archbishop of Melbourne presided, and as soon as he took his seat on the platform the .brass band from the Christian Brothers' School at South Melbourne played a few biars of the ' Minstrel Boy,' as an accompaniment to the unveiling of the banner of the Michael Davitt branch of the Irish National Foresters. Then the Dead « March in 'Saul' was played as a tribute to the memory of the lato Mr. Michael Davitt, whose death was announced by cable. Amongst those en the platform were Dr. O'Donnell, president of the Irish National League ; Senators Dawson, Trenwith and Findlay ; Messrs. Biggins, Maloney and Ronald, Ms.P. ; and Prendergast, M.L.A. In opening the meeting, the Most Rev. Dr. Carr said they would cordially welcome their visitors, and then ask, how is old Ireland, - and how does she stand ? Envoys had gene forth from Ireland on many occasions from the earliest time in history. They had gone forth as missionaries to carry the light of the Gospel, and to illuminate still more almost to every country in Em ope, and even to England, where the monasteries wh'ch still stood attested to the excellence of their influence. Envoys had gone from Ireland as navigators, and if it were not true that they were the first to disco-\er America, it was certainly true that their writings were of great assistance to Columbus in making his discovery. In their own days envoys had gone forth on peaceful, patriotic, national and even Imperial missions. The security and peace of Great Britain were inborn in Home Rule for Ireland as much as the peace and tranquility and success of the people of Ireland itself. It had been said that Home Rule for Ireland meant Rome Rule. It would mean nothing of the sort, It would mean the cessation of what was called DuHin Cas'le rule. It would mean the cessation of rule by what was diffidently slyled the English garrison of Ireland. On the other hand, it would mean peace and tranqiuility for Ireland itself, and equal opportunities for every subject in Ireland, no matter what faith he professed. Mr. Devlin then delivered an eloquent address of over an hour and a half's duration, during which he held the undivided and rapt attention of his audience. As a result of the demonstration, subscriptions totalling close on £450 were received.