THE IRISH DELEGATES.

Temuka Leader, Issue 1982, 14 December 1889, Page 3

THE IRISH DELEGATES.

A meeting of the committee to arrange mutters in connection with the Irish delegates was held in the Star Hotel, Temuka, last night. Mr M. Quinn, chairman of committee, regretted that the absence of the secretary, Mr J. M. Twomey, who was on a visit to Dunedin, prevented them from being in possession of all details necessary to the final winding up of the business, but ho thought it an vroll to go on with such business as they could. He. therefore, invited the treasurer, Mr G. McS. Gentleman, to read the statement of amounts reo ived to date. This was done, and showed that £21414s 6d had been received. Other lists were yet to come in, and it was estimated that at least £250 would be realised. Accounts to tho amount of £7 16s were passed for payment. The chairman, in a brief but earnest speech, referred t) the arsis'-raco rendered to the cause by persons of sU denominations, and mentioned especially the cordiality with which an appeal for assistance had been responded to by many influential public men. Ha considered this a moat gratifying token, and one that he felt sure was fully appreciated by his brother committeemen, Mr Angland moved, and Mr Soannell seconded—” That » vet/ hearty vote of thanks be accorded to Mr K. F. Gray, Chairman of the Temuka Town Board, for presiding at the public meeting ; to the Revs. Geo. Barclay and T. A. Hamilton for their publicly expressed sympathy on that occasion; to Mr P. Waraing for tho loan of his carriage j and to Mourn Meikle and Ooira for the use of their national flags.”—The motion was carried unanimously, and, by request, the chairman undertook to convey the same in writing. The Rev. Father Treacey wrote, enelosing cheque for amount collected in Geraldine, and suggesting that tho total amounts realised, together with the names of the secretary and treasurer of the various funds, bs forwarded direct to Dr Kenny, at Dublin, the chief executive officer of the evicted Tenants Relief Fund.—The suggestion met with general approval. The chairman said he he had received from Sir Thomas Esmonds a letter appreciative of the work done for their cause, which he would, with their permission, read to them.

The letter was read as follows " Temuka, 6th December, 1888.

“Dear Mr Quinn,—l muet not leave Temuka without conveying to you, and through you, ae chairman, to the other members of my Reception Committee, the expression of my warmest thanks for the trouble you were good enough to take in organising the very fine meeting we held last evening. It was one of the meat enthusiastic I have addresoel in New Zealand, and one of the most generous. You have every rerson to feel proud of the success achieved, and our people at Homo have every reason to feel grateful to you for your generous efforts on behalf their cause. For my own part I shall not soon forget my visit to Temuka. I shall always be glad to bear testimony at Homo to the generosity of tho Irish sympathisers of Temuka, Pleasant Point, and Geraldine.—Tours very sincerely, “Thos. H. Geattan Esmonds,

“M, Quinn, Sfiq.j Tomuka.” The committee were pleased that their efforts had called for such kind expseasions of approval, and trusted that in every district similar interest would be displayed. Mr Scannell said that practically their work was now concluded, and to save further trouble he would move “ That the Chairman of Committee, the Treasurer, and the Secretary be empowered to complete all further business.” The motion was seconded by Mr J. Fitzgerald and carried. Mr Gsza moved—“ That a hearty vote of thanks be accorded to the executive officers for the very able manner in which they have conducted the business entrusted to them," Their duties had entailed a great amount of perosverence, judgment, and tact, and the issue had shown that the right man was in the right place. The motion was carried unanimously, and in returning thanks on behalf of himself and brother 'officers, Mr Quinn, in feeling terms, expressed the gratification he felt at the kindly feeling evinced towards the causa they had at heart by all sections of the community, of oread. With scarcely an exception those appealed to had liberally responded, and where monetary aid was not forthcoming he felt sure that sympathy had been accorded. He looked back with pride to their last meeting* when Englishmen, Irishmen, and bcotchmen united in a common came. He felt sure that should the occasion arise the Irish nation would remember the assistance rendered to them, and make a similar response. The meeting had bean productive of a vary general and widespread feeling of kindness, and he trusted that its effects would long remain to have a beneficial effect. The meeting then terminated with the customary vote to the chair.