WAIMATE.

New Zealand Tablet, Volume XXXV, Issue 4, 24 January 1907, Page 14

WAIMATE.

There was a very good audience in the' Oddfellows' Hall, on the evening of Jjanuary 11 (says the ' VVaimate Advertiser ') to hear an address on Home Rule by Mr. Donovan. His Worthip the^Mayor (Mr. John Manchester), occupied the chair,, and there were aiso on' the platform Jsir. W. J. Steward, M.H.R., the "Very Rev. Dean Regnaiilt, S.M., and the reception committee, 'consisting of Messrs. M. J. Corrigan, J. Sin.lair, Twomey, Milsom, Freeman, Foley " and Uonnolly (Studholme). Prior to the address, an orchestra played several selections.

The Mayor, before introducing r the speaker, tendered him on behalf of the town a hearty welcome. In regard to the question at issue, it was a great one, and the speaker would 'greatly supplement their know- " -ledge of a. question many had looked on as a.- distant one and not affecting them. Mr. Donovan then delivered a very fine address, which was frequently applauded, and at its conclusjnon Mr. Milsom moved and Mr. Jk Sinclair seconded the following motion, which was carried unanimously— "That this meeting of the citizens of W animate having heard the exposition * of the Home Rule question by_Mr. Donovan, is of opinion that, a full measure of national self-government should be conceded to the Irish neople at the earliest possible moment, 'being convinced that £he granting- of this measure of national justi-e will not merely conduce to the prosperity and happiness of the liish people, but tend to the consolidation and strengthening of the Empire.'

The mover and seconder both briefly spoke in support of the motion. Sir W. J. 'Steward, M.H.R.,- said that as a consistent Liberal for -many years, hp -supported the claim of the Irish people to Home Rule ; but they could not hope to have peace in a household unless each member were fairly treated. As an Englishman he was as'hameid of the way the Empire had treated -Ireland. If even for 1 their services on the battlefield not one EnfeUishpiaai should raise his voice against Irishmen having control of- their own domestic affairs: They wanted control similar to .what- they had in the colonies, and why should they' not have it? He wished Mr. Donovan and his colleague every success in their mission.

Me. Donovan briefly thanked the meeting for its vote proposed, a .vote.o f thanks to the Mayor for presiding, to "Messrs. Milson and' Sinclair as proposer . and seconder, and Sir'W. J. Steward for -his remarks, and the meeting was at an end.'"" -'~ - ■