MR J. BRICE MULLIN INTERVIEWED.

Otago Witness, Issue 2914, 19 January 1910, Page 71

MR J. BRICE MULLIN INTERVIEWED.

AN IRISHMAN ON IRELAND. EVERY MAN HIS OWN LANDLORD. Mr J. Brie® Mullin, a well-known Londonderry merchant, a justice of the peace, and Deputy Lieutenant for Donegal County Ireland, who accompanied by his wife’ son, Miss tlill, ana Mr G-. Burg’o Wilson, « JUS J j 1 0"" making an extensive tour through Australia, Tasmania, New Zealand, J-'iji Islands, Canada, and the States arrived at Dunedin on the 11th by the Union Steam Ship Company’s s.s. Mamma, on his way to visit Christchurch, Napier, Gisborne, and Auckland. Beroro sailing for the North Island Mr Muilm was interviewed by a representative from this paper. He is a thoroughly typical Irishman, keen as a lance, but genial and courteous. The following are our representative’s queries and Mr Mullin’s replies;— What are the probabilities of Home Rule coming into force in Ireland? Vlf the Literals are again returned I think we shall get an instalment of selfgovernment in the near future.” How would Home Rule affect Ireland? “If Irish voters would follow the example set them by the colonies and learn to distinguish between religion and politics, I have absolute confidence in their honesty and ability to manage internal affairs with advantage to the country.” Is it the wish of the majority of Irishmen ? “ There is a great diversity of opinion on the subject, especially in the north.” What is the present condition of the country in respect to land settlement? “ I believe we arc fast approaching tba only, possible solution of this all-important question, which is: Every man his own landlord.” Is emigration lessening? “ Emigration is still robbing us of too many of our most promising young men and women, and I may add that I am prouder than ever of my countrymen since I have learned during my trip of tho creditable part Irishmen have played in the building up of many of the most important industries of Australasia.” What are your principal industries? “ We build the best ships in the world, and I am pleased to see that one of our celebrated Irish rope works supplies the Commonwealth and your Dominion with cordage of all kinds from cables to whipcord. We have also taught the world how to make the best shirts and collars, while our Irish tweeds, friezes, and linens are household words everywhere; and, judging by the advertising on the hoardings here, I find you come to us for our celebrated Irish roll tobacco. Thousands ol our people live by the ' fishing industry, which is being rapidly developed by a Government Fishery Department. We have many other minor industries, but, ol course, agriculture is our mainstay.” So evidently, Mr Mullin, you take an optimistic view of the future of your ooun try ? “ Yes, Ireland is slowly but surely working out, her own salvation.” What do you think of New Zealand? “I am simply charmed with the magnificent scenery, while your beautifully-laid-out cities and towns, splendid wave-houses, smart, up-to-date shops, and well-kept gardens are object-lessons in enterprise and good taste.”