RECEPTION OF MR REDMOND, M.P.

Daily Telegraph (Napier), Issue 3785, 1 September 1883, Page 4

RECEPTION OF MR REDMOND, M.P.

The following correspondence has been tendered to us (Evening Post) for publication :— The Hon. M. S. Grace. Dear Sir—You are requested to attend a meeting of gentlemen, to bo held on loth, at the Brothers' School, Boulcott-strect,to take into consideration the reception ot Mr Redmond, M.P. Michael Bohan, Chairman of Committee. 10th August, 1883.

Mr Michael Bohan. Sir—l have to acknowledge the receipt ot your invitation to me to bo present at a preliminary meeting to arrange a reception for Mr Redmond. I do not propose to participate m any organised reception of Mr Redmond, bcauso I am not a Land Leaguer, neither do I proposo to join the League. 1 shall avail myself of the opportunity ot extending to Mr Redmond privately every consideration, because lie is a a minority of tho people of Great Britain and of a vast majority of tho people ot Ireland, on the greatest question of the t l a y —the land question. I consider the class disturbances that arose on his visit to Now Soutli Wales an absolute disgrace to that colony, and I think better of New Zealand than to look for their recurrence heio.

As you ask my opiniou as to the character of the reception you should give Mr Redmond, I freely tender you my opinion, as I respect your sincerity and believe in your unselfishness. In my opinion, a deputation of tho Land League, if any such body exists, ought to give Mr Redmond a private ■welcome. They should arrange for the largest public hall in the city for hini to lecture in, should notify in the public prints that representatives of all classes of thought are invited to attend, as publicity is their o kj cc t—the force of public opinion brought to bear on the land question their end. If this course is taken, tho moral effect of Mr Redmond's reception in New Zealand will have its legitimate weight. I am, &c, Morgan S Grace.

August 13th, ISB3

Hon. M. S. Grace, M.L.C. Dear Sir—l received your letter, and road it to tho committee which met to consider Mr Redmond's reception. Inm instructed to inform you that the committee is quito willing to follow your advice. Mr Redmond cannot bo received by a deputation from the Land League, because there is no branch of the League here. Therefore wo propose to receive Mr Redmond as private citizens. Our object is to solicit for Mr Redmond a fair hearing, such as should bo extended to everyone who speaks openly and in considerate language what he has got to say. I am, Sec, M. Bohan, Chairman of Reception Committee. August 23rd, ISS3.