Veteran Irish Nationalist Honored

New Zealand Tablet, Volume L, Issue 27, 12 July 1923, Page 15

Veteran Irish Nationalist Honored

RARE TRIBUTE TO "FATHER OF THE HOUSE." Mr. T. P. O'Connor, M.P., "Father" of the British House of Commons, was yesterday (says the Irish News for May 19) entertained to luncheon by members in recognition of his long association with Parliament. The veteran Nationalist is 75 years of age, and he has been in the House of Commons since 1880. The event was unique, inasmuch as it was presided over by the Speaker, and that the Whips of four parties —Colonel Leslie Wilson (Government), Mr. Arthur Henderson (Labor), Mr. Vivian Phillips (Asquith-Grey Liberals), and Mr. Hilton Young (Lloyd George Liberals) had combined to make the gathering thoroughly representative of the House. The luncheon took place in the Ministers' and members' dining rooms, and was attended by About Two Hundred and Fifty Members of the Different Parliamentary Parties. On the arrival of Mr. O'Connor the assembly rose and cheered him with the utmost heartiness. The guest with some emotion smilingly acknowledged the reception. At the head table there were seated Mr. Asquith, Mr. Lloyd George, Mr. Stanley Baldwin, Mr. Ramsay Macdonald and other leaders of the different groups of parties. The gathering composed roughly 120 Unionists, 65 Liberals, GO Labor members, 2 Nationalists, and 2 Independents. From the Ends of the Earth. Messages were received offering congratulations to Mr. O'Connor from America, Canada, Australia, New Zealand and other parts of the British dominions, and also from different countries of the world. Mr. Bonar Law sent the following message from Aix-les-Bains:—"l much regret; that it is impossible for me to be present to join in the well-deserved tribute- to the ' Father ' of the House, to whom I tender all good wishes."