THE IRISH ENVOYS

New Zealand Tablet, 22 June 1911, Page 1146

THE IRISH ENVOYS

Waihi (From our own correspondent.) The envoys of the Irish Parliamentary party had am enthusiastic reception at Waihi, and on arrival of the special train which conveyed them from Paeroa were met by his Worship the Mayor (Mr. J. iNywtli) and members of the local committee. . The delegates wcie o riven to the Academy Theatre escorted by the Waihi Federal Band playing Irish national airs. The meeting proved a -most successful and enthusiastic one, and the tunas of the party will be augmented to the extent of some £l3O as the result of local effort. The/Mayor presided, and seated with him on the platform were the envoys (Messrs. William A. Redmond, M.P., and John T. Donovan, LL.B.), the Very Rev. Dean Hackett (Paeroa), Very Rev. Father Brodie, Mr. H. Poland, M.P., Rev, Wells-Smailes (vicar ,of St-. John’s), Messrs. M. J. Sheahan' (secretary and organiser of the Auckland provincial tour), T. Collins (local secretary), and many others. The Mayor briefly. introduced the envoys, and emphasised the fact that all people liked to have tne management of , their own affairs in their own hands. - The people of Waihi had 'not been satisfied with county rule, therefore they resorted to borough rule. He would call upon Mr. Redmond to deliver the opening address. Mr. * Redmond, who was enthusiastically received, traversed the lilies of his speeches as delivered elsewhere, and concluded by thanking them for their hearty reception. ' ; Mr, Donovan was the next speaker, and said that his friend had covered the entire ground of the Irish question. They were working for Ireland for the Irish, and would ask for nothing more or accept nothing less. They brought a message of good cheer and encouragement, and could say that ‘ all goes well.’ Mr. Donovan proceeded to make out a strong case for Ireland’s claims, and gave a vigorous reply to correspondence against the movement in the local paper. Mr. Donovan concluded by referring to the splendid reception which the envoys had received in the Dominion. On resuming his seat he was loudly applauded Mr. M. Sheahan explained that the moneys collected were sent direct to Mr. Martin Kennedy (Wellington), who transferred them to the trustees at headquarters. The envoys came here out of pure patriotism, and in Mr. Donovan’s case at considerable personal loss. Mr. H. Poland proposed—;(!) That this meeting of the citizens of Waihi expresses its hearty thanks to Messrs; Redmond and Donovan for their able presentation of the case for Home Rule for Ireland, and earnestly hopes that during the lifetime of the present Imperial Parliament a measure will be passed into law granting to Ireland the power of self-government through its own legislature, which is the inalienable right of every free people (2) That this meeting pledges itself to support the Irish Parliamentary Party under the leadership of Mr. John Redmond until Ireland’s parliamentary freedom shall have been secured,’ The propositions were seconded by Mr. W. M. Walnutt, J.P., and on being put to the meeting were declared to be carried unanimously. Mr. Redmond "returned thanks, and referred to the good services of the band, committee, and all other friends, who had so ably assisted, and at his instance a vote of thanks was carried by acclamation to the Mayor. Hamilton (From an occasional correspondent.) Mr. Donovan, one of the Irish delegates, accompanied by Mr. Sheahan, arrived here by the express train from Ngaruawahia. They were met at the station by the reception committee, consisting of Mr. Greenslade, M.P., Colonel Bell, Messrs.. George Main, T. McGloin, W. Jeffries, P. J. Hackett, D. Moroney, T. Darby,' J. Harney, W. Jones, and H. Roche. After the usual introductions, the visitors were escorted to the Winter Show. Afterwards they were driven to Mr. George Main’s Waikato Hotel.. Considering the inclement weather and the counter attraction of the Winter Show, we had a most successful meeting. The Mayor (Mr. J. A. Young) occupied the chair, and on the platform were the following: Mr. Greenslade, M.P., Colonel Beil, Rev, Fathers Darby and Lynch, Messrs. C. Parr, W. Jeffries, T. McGloin, P. J. Hackett, J. Harney, J. Bourke, H. Roche, D. Moroney, T. Darby, P. Quinlan, J. 1 omen, and D. McDonald. The addresses created a most favorable impression, the applause being frequent and enthusiastic. Mr. Greenslade moved a resolution, which was seconded by Colonel Bell, thanking Mr. Donovan for his address, and emphatically approving of the extension of a full measure of self-government to Ireland, The resolution was carried unanimously amidst the greatest enthusiasm. The chairman announced at the end of the meeting that the amount collected in and around' Hamilton was. £165. The s amount is very fair considering the difficulties the committee had to contend with. Messrs. Donovan and Sheahan with others were afterwards entertained

at supper. ; Colonel Bell, Messsr. T. McGloin, P. J. Hackett, W. Jeffries, and the secretary (Mr. : George Parr) were mainly responsible for ; the success of the . meeting. Mr. McGloin collected over £9O of the above amount. Oamaru - (From our own correspondent.) ' The Home Rule delegates reception committee held a meeting in, St. Patrick’s Hall on Tuesday evening, when Mr. P. J. Duggan presided over a full attendance, A letter received from the Dunedin . committee announced that probably, more than one delegate would address the meeting on June 30. Details regarding the reception of the delegates were considered, and it was decided that they be entertained at a banquet. Several subscription lists were handed in, and it was announced that the majority of the country lists were yet to bo received. The total of subscriptions exceeds £l5O. Rangiora On Friday Dir. R. M.P., accompanied by ( Rev. Father Hyland, paid a visit to Rangiora, and was 'met at the railway station by Mr. E. R. Good (Mayor) and other gentlemen. After-lunch Mr. Hazleton inspected the Catholic school and convent, and at 4 c.m. a civic reception was held in the Borough Council Chambers, at which the Mayor, councillors, and citizens were present (savs the tress). . . The Mayor said he had to offer a welcome to their visitor, who was a member of the distinguished House of Commons. As Britishers they were proud of the Houses m which the members discuss the affairs of the Empire. Councillors Samson, Boyd, Jennings, and Bell, and Messrs. Van A sell and J. L. Conlan gave short addresses of welcome. Mr. Hazleton thanked the Mayor and gentlemen present for their kind references and their cordial welcome "i 11 °h was extended to him as a representatvie in the House of Commons of the Irish people. - He had listened with pleasure to the Mayor’s statement as to the advance under municipal conditions. It was a pleasure to -him to study these institutions in which he was so intimately interested. He congratulated the Mayor and gentlemen who had spoken on the, broad-minded speeches addressed to him. He noticed this in all his travels. In one of his meetings in the north at which 400 attended, he was assured that only sixteen wore Irish people, but they had come with their open minds to hear all about the subject on which it was his mission to speak. He was glad to study their national and municipal systems, which latter they now had in force in the Old Country. Having been a councillor in a district since 1898, he could state that Ireland, which previously was governed ,by a grand jury system, now had county, urban, and town councils, with a Local Government Board of Control, so far as audit. He thanked the people not only here, but everywhere, for their kindness and generosity, and _ was glad Rangiora had shown a public spirit in receiving him. ... The Mayor said for the councillors and himself lie had to express his pleasure and thaiiks to Mr. Hazleton for his reply. ,■ v In the evening Air. Hazleton spoke,on the-Home Rule ouestion in the Institute Hall, Rangiora. The Mayor . (Mr E. R. Good) presided. Air. Hazleton spoke for about an hour, following the line of previous addresses. He was accorded a most attentive hearing and was frequently enthusiastically applauded. During the evening those present were given 'an opportunity of contributing towards the funds, and at the close it was announced that nearly £7O had been collected in and around Rangiora. On the motion of Mr. Kelly, seconded by Mr. J. L. Conlan, a hearty vote of thanks was accorded Mr. Hazleton. In replying Mr. Hazleton thanked the ; Mayor for his presence and’The a.udience for their very kindly welcome. On his motion the Mayor was accorded a vote of thanks, and the meetim* closed. • ° Blenheim (From our own correspondent.) June 17. The Home Rule delegate, Mr. J. Donovan, arrived here last evening, when he was met at the railway station by an enthusiastic gathering of. sympathisers. A procession headed by the Hibernian Band (under Mr. H. Robinson)’ then proceeded to Market Square, where the civic reception took place. The Mayor (Mr. E. H. Penney) in a brief speech welcomed the delegate, mentioning inter alia that he had had a similar privilege four years ago of welcomin'* Mr. Donovan to Blenheim. 3 Mr. Donovan in reply thanked the public of Blenheim for their grand reception. It was a notable fact that throughout New Zealand the same sympathetic reception had been extended to them. - : The procession then reformed and marched to the Town Hall, where Mr. Donovan was formally introduced to a large and enthusiastic audience by the -Mayor'in a .characteristic speech in which he expressed his svmnathv with the Home Rule pause,

Mr. Donovan on rising received a flattering reception, such as is rarely accorded , to any visiting speaker here. During the course of his eloquent address he kept the close attention of his audience, who frequently applauded his remarks. Rev. Father Hills, S.M., in a brief speech moved a vote of thanks to the delegate for .his instructive address. Mr. R. McCallum in seconding the motion thanked Mr. Donovan for his brilliant lecture, especially for his convincing arguments in favor , of Home Rule, which he fervently hoped would be granted (as Mr. Donovan had suggested) within two years. A vote of thanks to his Worship the Mayor for presiding was carried with acclamation. A sum of £IOO has been collected . for the Home Rule cause in this district. :/ Auckland. fßv Telegraph from our own correspondent.) The Irish envoys were very successful in the Auckland district. Pukekohe, including Waiuku, furnished £100; Ngaruwahia, £SO; Hamilton, £165; Te Aroha, £100; Waihi, £130; Thames, £SO, with more to come Rotorua, £4O; Te Awamutu, £43; Te Kuiti, £6O; Whangarei, £7O; Dargayille, £25; Gisborne has yet to be held. The Auckland city gross receipts amout to £1152, with more to come. It is expected £llOO net will be sent from the city meetingalone—certainly a great contribution and effort, from the northern capital. Both from country districts and'city favorable reports come to hand of the impression created by the speeches delivered by the envoys. Another feature of the question is the undoubted prestige gained by Irish colonists through such visits. A meeting like that held in this city has certainly produced this most desirable end. I heard two of the present envoys say with warm appreciation they felt by irresistible force of circumstances that they not only represented the people at Home in this mission, but also the race abroad, and when the envoys reached Home they would impress this fact upon the Irish people there. It was to them a grand inspiration and great incentive to struggle on, and win self-government for Ireland. Thames JFrom our own correspondent.) v June 12. Mr. W. A. Redmond, M.P., Irish Nationalist envoy, was welcomed to Thames by the Mayor (Mr. H. Lowe) on June 8. Many of the leading citizens attended the reception. In the . evening Mr. Redmond spoke in the Miners’ Union Hall to a very fair gathering. The Mayor presided, and seated-with him on the platform were Rev. Father Tigarj 0.P., Messrs W. Scott , (chairman of the Thames Harbor Board), J. Connolly, J. McEnteer, and H. McDonnell (secretary). Mr. Lowe,, in introducing the delegate, said he desired to thank the committee, for affording him the opportunity of presiding at such a - notable gathering. He referred to the national character of the envoys’ mission to New Zealand, and hoped that it ' would be an unprecedented success. He anticipated an illuminating exposition of what Horae Rule for Ireland really meant, and promised Mr. Redmond an attentive and appreciative hearing. Mr. Redmond, who met with a most cordial welcome, said that the magnificent reception which had been accorded to him on such an unfavorable night fully justified Thames, receiving a visit from a member" of the Home Rule, delegation. Thirty years ago his father and uncle (Messrs. J. and W. Redmond) landed in New Zealand to preach the same doctrine that he was preaching that -evening, but the Phoenix Park murders still rankled in the public mind, and they had a cool reception. But with the passage of years gross calumnies had been refuted and many misunderstandings cleared up, and no other j arty from the Homeland had ever been so enthusiastically received by' the peoples of New Zealand and the other Dominions in recent years. : The Irish Nationalists were not red cap revolutionaries. They agitated simply for the control of their domestic and internal affairs, the same rights which the colonies so well and wisely enjoyed. They had no quarrel with the monarchy of England, they had no quarrel with the British Parliament; but they did have a quarrel with the system of government which had depopulated and pauperised the country that was once supreme in tho arts, science, and literature. They did not aim at separation ; they merely wanted their independence. The Irish Nationalist party was the first labor party in the House of Commons. Measures for the betterment of the working conditions of the masses had been placed upon the statute bonk with the assistance of the Irish Parliamentary party' Thames as a mining community would appreciate the fact that lint for the faithful co-operation of the Irish party with the Government the Coalmines eight hours’ Bill would have been defeated by the monopolists. The granting of self-government had deepened the’loyalty of the Dominions to the Motherland, - had accelerated their progress and increased their prosperity, and the Irishmen at home, who loved their country and wished it to be preserved to the Irish people, asked the same boon. ' Mr. W. Scott moved a resolution of thanks to Mr Redmond, and a resolution of confidence in the Irish Parlia-

mentary party, under the leadership of Mr. J. Redmond. The mover :said that in his opinion: the Irish party was not asking anything absurd. New Zealanders were warmly supporting the Home Rule movement, and would not be worthy their country,; if ■ they did not do so. Mr. W. J. McCormick, in seconding the proposals, said that the internal affairs. of any country should bo governed by the inhabitants themselves. The Mayor then put the proposals to the meeting; and they were carried unanimously. Mr. Redmond, in returning thanks, said that he was pleased to see New Zealanders so enthusiastically supporting the cause. The representative character of the receptions extended to the delegation in every city -and town was extremely gratifying. He warned New Zealanders to cherish their institutions, and to fight stubbornly if their rights were assailed, as, once lost, they might never be regained. ' The meeting concluded with hearty cheers for the Mayor and Mr. Redmond. • . Christchurch (From our own correspondent.) -. The following letter from the local secretary of the Irish Parliamentary envoys’ mission appeared in the Christchurch morning papers last week; —‘I feel satisfied your readers will be pleased to learn that the pecuniary result of the visit of Messrs. Hazleton, Redmond, and Donovan to this city has eventuated in the committee being able to forward this day, through Mr. 11. H. Lough nan, their chairman, to Mr. Martin Kennedy (who is general treasurer for the Dominion),- a cheque for £360 9s 9d, or nearly double the amount realised on the occasion of the Irish delegates’ last visit some few years ago. The committee avail themselves of this opportunity to tender their best thanks to his Worship the Mayor, councillors, and citizens for the cordial and warm reception given to the delegates, and none are more grateful in this respect than the delegates themselves. It may interest your readers to know that conspicuous amongst the biggest subscribers to the Home Rule fund are non-Catholics. and non-irishmen, which the committee particularly notice. We further thank the Press for its publicity, and express a hope that the delegates’ visit has not : only been a pecuniary success, but a moral one, and lias tended to knit together the loyalty of all classes and creeds in Christchurch to the British Empire, if such was required.’ Ashburton (From our own correspondent.) The Theatre Royal, Ashburton,; was comfortably filled on Saturday evening last, the occasion being an address on Home Rule for Ireland by Mr. Hazleton, M.P. The Mayor (Mr. H. Davis) presided, those on the stage including Very Rev. Dean O’Donnell, Rev. Father O’Hare, the Member for Ashburton (Mr. W. Nosworthy, M.P.), and members of the reception committee. The chairman briefly introduced Mr. Hazleton,_ expressing his pleasure at having the opportunity of presiding over such a meeting as was to: be held that evening. Mr. Hazleton, on rising, was greeted with loud applause. He warmly thanked the Mayor for his kind remarks. It was apparent at an early stage of his address Mr. Hazleton was at home with his audience, the applause being almost incessant. The address was one of the ablest ever delivered: in, this town, and Mr. Hazleton resumed his seat amidst tumultuous applause. Mr. W. Nosworthy, M.P., then briefly addressed those present. He thanked those responsible for the invitation to attend the meeting. He came there that evening with an unbiassed mind on the Home Rule question. After careful attention to Mr. Hazleton’s address be was satisfied that if a full measure of Home Rule was not desirable, then, there was undoubtedly room for considerable improvement in the government of Ireland. During his short parliamentary career he had heard all our best speakers and orators, and he could safely say that lie had not heard the equal of Mr. Hazleton. -He, at anyrate, had sufficient of -the Irishman in him to appreciate a good speech. Mr. James Allen then moved a hearty vote of thanks to Mr. Hazleton for his address, and also asked the meeting to carry an unanimous vote ,in favor of the granting of Home Rule to Ireland. In his characteristic style Mr. Allen spoke to his motion. He admitted his impressions some years ago that Home Rule meant Rome Rule, but as a man grew older his mind changed. He knew that it meant no such thing. v. Mr. C. Doherty, in a felicitous speech, seconded the resolution. He thanked the reception committee for their invitation to be present, also congratulating Mr. Hazleton on his address. Ho had much pleasure in seconding the resolution. On- the resolution being put to the meeting, it was carried unanimously. A vote of thanks to the chairman was carried by acclamation. ■

It is anticipated that a sum of about £3OO will be raised . towards the fund in this county, inclusive cf Methven, where Mr. Hazleton speaks on the 27th inst. : Mr. Hazleton was the guest of Mr, J. Farrell (Hinds) during his stay in Ashburton. ;

Methveil V, ’ ™ : A meeting of the Methven Home . Rule committee was held on June 18, when there was a largo attendance of members. Mr. Hugh .Kennedy was voted to the chair. Mr, T. Twomey was appointed treasurer and Mr. C. Twomcy secretary. Subscriptions to the amount of about £BO were collected. Intimation has r . been . received from Mr. Martin Kennedy, Wellington, that the Irish delegates'will; visit Methven on June 29, and every, preparation: is being made to give them a good reception. ■ J -• V* i , Invercargill y .1 (From our own correspondent.) Good progress is being made in connection with -the lorthcoming visit of the Irish delegates. A public meeting will be held on Saturday evening next in Allen’s Hall, to taa:e steps to arrange for the reception, in Invercargill. Mr. J. A. Hanan, M.P., has consented to preside at the public meeting. : V Dunedin A- meeting of the executive committee was held in/ St. Joseph s Hall on Monday night, Rev. Father, Coffey, Adm , *vr absence of the Hon. J. B. M.Ii.C., presiding. Matters of detail in connection with: the Dunedin meeting on July 3 were discussed. A draft programme^ of the itinerary in Otago and Southland,- which has been forwaided to Messrs. Hazleton, Redmond, and Donovan? for approval, was placed; before the meeting. Pending a reply trom delegates, it was decided to adhere to the dates already arranged. - ’ %■ Timaru By telegraph from our own correspondent.) June 21. Mr. Hazleton, the Irish envoy, arrived in Timaru on luesday morning by the first express from Temuka. '" He was met by Ins W orship the Mayer, the Borough Councillors, ana members of the reception executive, and accorded a civic welcome in the Council Chambers. The spacious room was crowded to" excess with representative citizens, and his V\ oi ship the Mayor extended to the distinguished visitor a right hearty welcome. This, Mr. Hazleton appropriately acknowledged. Afterwards he was entertained by the'reception committee at a luncheon, Dr. Louglinan presiding. In the evening Mr. Hazleton addressed a crowded meetmg m the Theatre Royal. Notwithstanding that the weather was most unfavorable, people came from many miles to the meeting. All the country districts in South Canterbury tor miles on either side of Timaru being represented. Du the platform the members of the reception committee occupied seats, Hon. J. Anstey, M.L.C., being among those present. • ' •j. 1 ’ 9 /S ie ,’ ,H.P ., presided, and in felicitous terms introduced the delegate. Mi. Hazleton spoke for an hour and a-half, delivering a hue _ speech in a very convincing style. He was most attentively listened to, and frequently and heartily applauded, the audience evidently being in cordial sympathy w-ith the speaker and the movement. Mr. Hazleton dealt with the several bogeys raised in opposition to self-govern-ment for Ireland, laid stress on the' unsectarian nature of the movement, and confidently asserted that their request must be granted within the next three years—an assertion which met with very hearty applause. At the close of the address a motion was unanimously passed, expressing; hearty /thanks to Mr. Hazleton, and the hope that during the lifetime of the present Imperial parliament a measure would be passed, granting to Ireland the power of self-government. The meeting also pledged used to support the Irish party under Mr. Redmond,- until parliamentary freedom is secured for Ireland. D This motion was proposed bv two of the leading citizens of Timaru (Mr 8. G. Raymond and Mr. am-Evans), -both- -whom spoke warmly in support of giving Ireland an ■ opportunity to tree herself from her present intolerable position. The Hon. J. Anstey also spoke in support, as an Englishman. Home Rule,’ he said, would not spell disintegration, but would rather help in...tightening the bonds' of itmpire. • 'A , ■ vRev. Father Tubman expressed his great pleasure at hearing the fine address bv Mr. Hazleton, and thanked the reception _ committee, and particularly the executive, for the splendid work they .had done in arranging for the visit and collecting funds. , N, . Dr. Loughnan was chairman of the executive, and Air P. Mahoney secretary. Dr. Loughnan announced that the amount collected in Timaru and immediate district amounted t0,..£280. This amount added to sums given" by other parts of ,South Canterbury, will bring the'grand total considerably m excess of: that" reached on the occasion of the visit of Mr. Devlin. . - ; SUBSCRIPTIONS. - ' ' ‘ We have received a postal note for £l. being the contributions of twenty, lady sympathisers, Christchurch, per M.A.C., to the Home Rule fund,