POLITICAL WEAPONS.

Auckland Star, Volume LV, Issue 220, 16 September 1924, Page 5

POLITICAL WEAPONS.

PRIME MINISTER'S CAR. THOSE BISCUIT SHARES. LONDON, September 15. Mr. Ramsay Mac Donald (Prime Minister), in the course of an interview, expressed indignation at tbe disclosure of his acquisition last March of 30,000 £ 1 shares in the biscuit firm of McVitie and Price, the controlling partner in which, Sir Alexander Grant, received his Ibaronetey in June. Mr. Mac Donald said that was not indignant for his own sake, but because it reflected on Sir Alexander Grant. "When I beciimc Prime Minister," said Mr. Mac Donald, Sir Alexander Gran); was the proudest and happiest man in Scotland, although we were at opposite poles in politics. We met shortly afterwards. Sir Alexander Grant said "his contribution to my comfort would be a Daimler car. I replied: "1 will have to be content with a hired car,' pointing out that when no longer Prime Minister I wonH be a poorer man than I was upon entering office. Sir Alexander Grant pressed the offer, saying, 1 will endow a car/" n. Mγ. Mac Donald long objected, saying that to use a motor ear was against his simple habits. He finally consented, and it was arranged that £30.000 should be invested to provide interest for the upkeep of the car during Mr. MacDonald's lifetime. Then the capital would revert to Sir Alexander Grant or his heirs. " Thus." * added Mr. Mac Donald. "although the capital is not mine, I technically own the shares. I am sick to death to have to talk about this, but I must protect a dear old friend , in the enjoyment of the honour which the King worthily bestowed upon him."—("Sun.")