IMMENSE GATHERING AT WELLINGTON. Wellington, Nov. 18.

Te Aroha News, Volume VII, Issue 421, 20 November 1889, Page 5

IMMENSE GATHERING AT WELLINGTON. Wellington, Nov. 18.

The Irish delegates addressed an immense audience in the Opera House last night. In spite of the large tigure charged for admission, every portion of the house was filled, and in some , parts standing room only was to be obtained. The chair was taken by the Hon. P. Buckley, and on the platform wire Archbishop Redwood, the Hon. G. Fisher, und a large number of clergy and prominent citizens. A letter was read from fcSir Harry Atkinson apologising for nonattendance, and explaining that he did not think he was justified in being present, as there were a great many settlers in New Zealand who, did not hold the same views on Home Rule as ho (Sir H. Atkinson) did, but he might say that he entirely agreed with the resolutions which were to be proposed at the meeting. The proceedings throughout were of a most enthusiastic character, and when Mr Diilon rose to speak he was greeted with deafening cheers. Referring to the Protestant Anti-Home Rule prayer meeting, which was being held in another pare ot the town, Mr Dillon said that in his career he had met with various kinds of opposition, but this was the first time he had been opposed by a prayer meeting. He only hoped that the prayers of those people would come back on them before long, to enable them to see the Home Rule agita tion in its true light. Mr Dillon went on to say that when the delegates started on their present mission they were told in many quarters that they were going on a fool's errand, but he (Mr Dillon) would tako this opportunity of saying that their efforts had been attended with a measure of saocess that they did not even dream of obtaining h hen they commonced their journey in the colonies. During the meeting a subscription list was opened in aid of the Evicted Tenants' Relief Fund. Nearly £200 was collected, Archbishop Redwood giving £20, Mr Buckley £20, and St. Patrick's College, £30. Sir T. Esmonde and Mr Deasy also addressed the meeting, being accorded a very heaity welcome. Addres-es were presented to the delegates in the name of the general public of \\ ellington, and from the branch of the National League and Hibernian Society. At the conclusion of the meeting resolutions were carried expressing sympathy with the Home Rule movement.