A few moments of tense silence, and then something seemed to snap.

The opposition, led by the hockey men and their supporters, burst into a demonstration of welcome.

The violence of the demonstration was not solely upon Maitland's account.

The leaders of the opposition were quick to realise that his entrance had created a diversion for them which might save them from disastrous defeat.

They made the most of this opportunity, prolonging the demonstration and joining in a "chair procession" which carried Maitland shoulder-high about the room, in the teeth of the violent protest of Brother Simmons and his following.
Order being restored, business was again resumed, when Brother Macnamara rose to his feet and, in a speech incoherent at times, but always forceful, proposed that the usual order be suspended and that here and now a motion be carried expressing their gratification at the recent great hockey victory and referring in highly laudatory terms to the splendid work of Brother Captain Maitland, to whose splendid efforts victory was largely due.
It was in vain that Brother Simmons and those of his way of thinking sought to stem the tide of disorder.