HOME RULE.

Gisborne Times, Volume XXIV, Issue 1960, 17 December 1906, Page 3

HOME RULE.

PROPOSED VISIT OF IRISH DELEGATES. A la'ge meeting of those interested in tho above question was held in the Farmers’ Union rooms on Saturday morning. At the opening o' She meeting Mr R, M. Birrs!! occupied the chair ia the

absence of Mr W. L Rees. Mr Birrcii, addressing those pros mi, add it was not She first time ho had had the honor of taking an aeliva pars in tho Homo Rule movement, and be was proud

Sa tuink Shat it was an historical fact that ■ r the matter had barn iefS to his country-

men, thr, Sect?, Irr-lmd would have bad Home Rale to-day. The moatiog was

called together to make arraogemonts for the visit of a brilliant young Irishman to Gisborne, and he hoped that what Mr Davlin had to say would bo an education

to thorn, and that hxa mission would bring about what they had so long desired— Home Rule for Ireland, Mr Rees, who entorod while Mr Birrell was speaking, now took She ohair. He said be had communicated with the Hon. J. A. Toole at Auckland aa to the delegate, Mr Devlin, ooming to 01860108. Mr Joyce had also wirsd to Mr Martin Kennedy, Wellington, on the same matter, and had reoeived a reply to tho effect that Mr Devlin would probably arrive in Gisborne about the 14tn January, It was, therefore, necessary for them to make arrangements for this visit and entertaining the delegate whilst hero, They would be required to appoint a general committee, and also create sub-committees in all localities throughout the district, which would assist in the way of funds and entertaining the delegate whilst hero. They should give tho greatest publicity to Mr Devlin’s movements and his addresses. Mr Owen Gallagher, in a-strong and enthusiastic speech, extolled the move- J ment, which should in his opinion go far to “ strengthen the weakest claim which snrrounds the British Empire,” The speaker moved that a committee be appointed to make all arrangements for Mr Devlin's visit. Mr E. P. Joyce, who seconded the motion, pointed out that the meeting was not called in any sectarian or clerical spirit, and it was not intended to interfere with any church, They all wished the matter approached on the broad principles of liberalism, to the end that others might equally enjoy the same benefits as they themselves did.

Tho following general committee was appointed; The Chairman (Mr W. L. Rees), and Messrs C. J. Parker, J. A. Harding, R M. Birrell, E. P, Joyce, P. McLoughlin, H. Ileeney, W. Webb, D. J. Barry, C. White, Cusscn, and J. H. Martin. After some discussion it was decided that the following gentlemen be requested

to form branches of the committee throughout the district, and to act as representatives:—Whatatutu and Mangatu, Mr E. Dovory; Murewai, Mr Currie; Motu and Rakauroa, Mr J ames McPhec ; Matawhero and Makaraka, Messrs P. Malone and Walsh; To Arai, Mr D.

Parker; Waipiro, Mr Sullivan ; Waeronga-a-liika, Mr Dinan; Ormond, Mr Con. Noonan ; Tolago Bay, Mr John Ollivier; Patutalii, Mr Owen Gallagher; To Karaka, Messrs L, C. Allen and Chum Brown. Tho general meeting thou concluded, and Mi the r?quasi of Mr Roes a committee meeting was held, Mr W, L, Raca was appointed chairman of the oommitSeo, and Mr R, M, Birrell an hon. secretary. Ms Joyce effort d the use of his cilice as u meeting place for the committee, which was accepted, Too secretary was instructed to writs to Mr Martin Kennedy, and inform him of what steps had been taken, and also to ivk him to keep ths oommittoa in touch with Mr Devlin’s movements. Details of tho visit were discussed, and She committee decided to secure His Majesty’s Theatre for the public meeting, and the chairman was asked to see Mr Townlc-y, and request him to taks the ohsir.. It was decided to open a bank aeoonnt in tho name of 11 Devlin’s Reception Com mir’ee,” and on a call being made, a l Buflioiont sum to pay all expenses was ' quickly placed on the table, 1 A eub-oommittee, consisting of the • chairman, Messrs E, P. Joyce, J. A. Hard- > ingi sad tho boa, secretary, was ajspoiatocl

to faoilitato and donl with ordinary businoss. A suggestion was made that Mr Davlin bo loudorod n sooinl or othor funoilon, so that ho could mako tho acquuintanoo of townspooplo and supporters, it bolDg dooidod that tho matter bo held over until more particulars woro available. This oonoludod tho businoss.