WAIHI.

New Zealand Tablet, Volume XXXV, Issue 6, 7 February 1907, Page 12

WAIHI.

(From our own correspondent.) ' ~ ■ . s ' January. 29. Mr. J. Devlin, M.P. for West Belfast, arrived in Waihi . from Te Aroha (where he had 'been enjoying a few days' holiday) shortly after five o'clock on Monday evening. He was met 'at the -station by members of the committee, and driven- to Mr. Kelly's hotel, which was decorated with evergreens and flags. At the hotel he was met- by his Worship . the Mayor and Town Clerk» and dined with a number of guests who had been invited to meet him. • . ~ « There was. a very large attendance at the Academy of Music, and the Irish envoy - was accorded an enthusiastic reception. His Worship the Mayor -presided, And -on the platform- were Monsignor O'Reilly' (Thames),* Dean Hackett (Paeroa), Father McGuinness (Te Aroha), Father Brodle (Waihi), Messrs. H. Poland, M.H.R., G. Crosby, *~R. J. Cotter, M. D. O'Regan, J. -Barrett, J. Quinn, A. "Connolly, and Max D. King. Visitors came by special train from Paeroa, Kerangahake, . and Waihino. Prior ta. the address the Waihi Federal Bind played selections outside the . hall. His Worship the Mayor, in a short speech, introduced Mr. Devlin. He said that many knew not the comstion of Irelafid, and the lecturer would now make it clear to them. . Mr. Devlin; whose address was on the lines of those delivered elsewhere, carried the large meeting with him from the start, and the applause was frequent .and prolonged. " ' It was ' a somewhat rather unusual occurrence that after an address by a speaker of Mr. Devlin's ability all the other speakers got a most patient hearing, and their remarks were received with great applause. Mr. Max D. King;, in a - neat speech, moved " That this meeting of Waihi citizens, having heard Mr. Devlin's /address on Horne s Rule for Ireland, expresses its entire sympathy and hopes that the Home Government will

carry out legislation to that effect.' He told of Dr.O'Doherty being transported to Australia for writingan article in, the 'Nation,' which article was considered to be disloyal, and said that if they could be called disloyal, far more disloyal articles were written in our day, and- no transportations toot' place. .Sympathisers Present could now show -their sympathy in a particular manner, .and he announced a- collection.' ■ In seconding the resoluti&n the Very Rev. Dean Hackett. said - that ■ the address was a masterpiece cf oratory,- worthy of an orator of Ireland- in : the days of Iris}, history.- Mr. Devlin could also convey Home •the expressions of loyalty to King Edward, who was" always Ireland's friend. ■ ' ■ " . The resolution was carried by acclamation. A vote of thanks to the lecturer was proposed by Mr. >H. Poland-, M.H.R.,. seconded by Mr. Collins, "and carried with acclamation. ' - - ' In acknowledging the resolution Mr. Devlin said it was fortunate for his speech, if not for - his cause, that he had spoken before his countryman, Dean Hackett, or- he was afraid that as an orator the Deaff'" would put him in the shade. On his motion a vote of thanks was passed to the Mayor, for presiding. Throughout the meeting great enthusiasm was shown, and the meeting terminated with three ringin; cheers for old Ireland. :- A sum, of £110 has-been taken so far, but it is expected' to reach much more when the moneys are in. - -