STRATFORD.

New Zealand Tablet, Volume XXXV, Issue 3, 17 January 1907, Page 12

STRATFORD.

(From our travelling correspondent.) Mr. Devlin arrived from New Plymouth hy theafternoon train on Janua-ry-- 8,- and was met at the station by the" Mayor, Father Tracey, and the reception committee, and taken to the Council Chambers and welcomed to the town hy the Mayor. Mr. Devlin thanked him cordially for the welcome accorded to him. In the evening the Town Hall was crowded. The band played national airs. The Mayor took the chair, and the county and borough .councillors and the executive occupied seats on the stage. A telegram was received from Mr. Symes, , M.H.R., regretting his inability to be present. Mr. Devlin -got a splendid reception on making his appearance. The Mayor introduced him and wished him success in his mission. Mr." Devlin's sjjeeeh was mainly on • the lines- of those reported already in the • Tablet V The- .audience; applauded loudly and often, more particularly where he exposed the calumny that Home Rule meant Rome Rule also when he proved that if Ireland had self-govern-ment she would be loyal. At the close- of his speech -Mr. Devlin was accorded an ovation. Mr. Marchant, chairman of the County Council moved an appreciative motion to the effect that the meeting, having heard the views^ of Mr. Devlin on the Home Rule question, is of opinion that Hiomo Rule should be granted to -Ireland, and that those present would do all in their power to assist the movement He believed that the charges:, made by Mr. Devlin that night were true, -and he thought- that a country Producing the good,, great, and clever men that Ireland has produced should be allowed to control' its own affairs. , - - Mr. Asthenry, a member of the County Council seconded the motion. He said that, as a colonial' after having heard Mr. Devlin's speech, he came to

the conclusion that it. was only right and fair that Ireland should have Home- Rule. New Zealand should be proud that Ireland,, had sent aoi envoy -to them, , and he thought that a good ' way to innuenceT the ■ Home Parliament was tor the colonies to support the movement. The motion was carried amidst , great acclamations. - * Mr. Devlia moved a . vote of thanks, to the., chair, ' .and Okie Mayor- replied.. . - y . - The stage was prettily decorated.- "The -committee (of which Mjr. Sexton " was- secretary) worked. Jiard., - Next day the party drove ,to -the - mayoral "residence and were hospitably ' entertained- there. They went then to the Nigare gardens^ and also were shown ever the butter factory by the manager. MrV Devlin left by the -afternoon train for Mew "'Plymouth. He expressed himself greatly pleased with his. visit to _ Strat-, . ford. Father Tracey informs me that 'they will havethe handsome sum of about £150 to present to • Mr. Devlin.