“WORLD’S BEST BEGGAR”

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume LXXXII, Issue 19478, 26 December 1925, Page 19 (Supplement)

“WORLD’S BEST BEGGAR”

“FATHER” OF THE HOUSE OF COMMONS

Air T. P. O’Connor, ALP., the president, occupied tho chair at the annua! dinner of the British section of the International Association of ournalists at Prince’s Restraurant, Piccadilly. Air O’Connor said that there was a certain melancholy feeling in being the “father’’ of the House of Commons. Ho had thought that hq was approaching tho last stages of senility when he was able to greet a member with th ' words, “I know your grandfather very well.” Since then, however, ho had said to another young member, “I knew your great-grandfather.” and ti was just possible that he would one day say. “I know your great-great-grandfather. ” Ho intended to do his utmost to make tho Association a great living, worldwide, powerful organise tion for good in the peace of tho world Air O’Connor then road a letter from Air Fradcis Neilson, an American svmpathiser. enclosing a cheque for £2” and said that ho proposed to live up t<his reputation as the world's best beg gar by trying to secure a substantia’ fund for the Association. Ho had entertained a millionaire acquaintance to tea on the Terraco at a cost, of 14s 2d and if he did not secure in return a million for his various interests hn w< prepared tn forfeit his title. Wars had often boon fostered, oven precipitated, by the press, and if that could be done it was quite certain that tho opposite was possible. and that universal peace could bo obtained through tho same medium.