Just What is Wanted.

New Zealand Tablet, Volume XXX, Issue 36, 4 September 1902, Page 1

Just What is Wanted.

A recent letter in the Melbourne Advocate, from its special correspondent, Mr Michael Davitt, contains an announcement that will be received with the deepest interest by all Irishmen and friends of Ireland throughout the colonies. It is to the effect that efforts are being made by the Irish Parliamentary Party to induce Mr T. P. O'Connor, M.P., to visit the colonies as a delegate of the Party and deliver lectures in all the larger centres on behalf of the Home Rule movement. It appears that Mr. O'Connor is himself personally anxious — if he can make the necessary arrangements — to make a tour of the colonies, and strong pressure is being brought to bear to persuade him to combine pleasure and duty in the manner indicated.

Mr. O'Connor's exceptional literary and oratorical gifts make him very specially fitted for such a mission, and there can be no doubt that wherever he went he would command an enthusiastic reception and assured success. Speaking of his qualifications as a speaker Mr. Davitt says :—: — ' Mr. O'Connor is, beyond doubt, the first platform speaker among the Irish leaders. He is scarcely second to the best orator of the House of Commons. In debating power and ability he is ranked very high by the best judges of Parliamentary speaking, with an unrivalled fund of anecdote, wit, and repartee, which combine the best style of eloquent Irish with the solid and practical method of English oratory in the making of an all-round powerful and persuasive public speech.' We earnestly hope that Mr. O'Connor will see his way to fall in with the proposal, for we are persuaded that he will do invaluable work in helping the Party, in making converts to |he cause, and in giving a fresh stimulus to Home Rule sentiment and activity in the colonies. Speaking for New Zealand, we can promise him an enthusiastic welcome and the hearty co-operation of Irishmen from one end of the Island to the other.