Notes

New Zealand Tablet, 30 May 1912, Page 34

Notes

A Hopeful Sign A cable message in Monday's papers conveys the following welcome news of an apparent change of heart on the part of Mr. W. O'Brien : ' Speaking at an All-for-Ireland League meeting at Cork, Mr. W. O'Brien (Leader of the Independent Nationalists) said that the Home Rule Bill offered a reasonable basis of conciliation. He and his friends were ready to bury the hatchet and join the party led by Mr. Redmond, in order to force the Government to make the measure acceptable to Ireland.' No one has ever questioned the ability of such men as William O'Brien and Tim Healy; and if the leader of the O'Brienites is as good as his word their co-operation should be of undoubted service in making the Home Rule Bill a workable and satisfactory measure. More Political Prophecy Speculation as to the probable developments of the coming —which opens in Julygrows keener day by day; and the prospect for the continued existence of the Liberal Government still depends largely on the attitude adopted by the three or four Independent members. In this connection the following utter- i ance by Mr. H. Atmore, Independent member for Nelson, whose vote on the no-confidence motion turned the scale in favor of the Government, has more than ordinary interest and significance. ' Mr. H. Atmore M.P.,' says a Press Association message of May 23, ' delivered a post-sessional address in the city to-night) dealing largely with the events of the late session. He subjected the Opposition to severe criticism on its political methods, and expressed the opinion that Mr. Massey .would never occupy the position of Prime Minister, even if he remained leader of the party. He thought Sir Ward, who showed head and shoulders above anyone else in the House, would eventually return to his old position. He thought the present Ministry would live. Mr. Atmore, however, condemned the party system, and maintained his independence to

support measures, not men.’ ‘-The speaker,’ continues the message, ‘had a good reception, and at the close a . motion expressing entire confidence in him and commending him for his energy and ability as representative for Nelson was carried without dissent.’