A FRIENDLY TRIBUTE

Evening Post, Volume CIX, Issue 115, 19 May 1925, Page 7

A FRIENDLY TRIBUTE

LORD YOUNGER'S ENCOMIUMS.

(Received 19th May, 12.15 p.m.)

, LONDON, 18th May. As a lifelong friend and almost the political father of Sir J. L. Baird, whom he affectionately calls "Johnny," Lord Younger, in .an interview, said he was delighted at the appointment. "He succeeded me as member for Ayr boroughs in 1918. I looked to him as my natural successor, as my family was connected with the Bairds in Scotland for many years. He has a very high reputation there, and is of quite outstanding ability. Ho has a connection with the great iron firm of Garthsherrie, .'Baird, and Company, as he is the grandson of one of the founders. Since his election for Ayr, he kept the hitherto, uncertain seat by excellent majorities. Last year he had a record majority. That alone "is a tribute to his quality and personal popularity. ■ ' . "Sir J. L. Baird," Lord Younger said is very active, and has a most attracAi* e> Pleasant» and frank manner. Above all, he has a great advantage in having a charming wife, who is as much liked in Ayr as her husband. "While personally delighted at Sir John Baird's appointment, . which he rightly deserves and will fill admirably and on which Australia is to bo congratulated," the speaker continued, "I am sorry to lose him as my successor in Ayr, where it will be hard to fill his shoes. I look forward to his success in Australia, where he succeeds my old friend, Lord Forster. His ■diplomatic training and long Parliamentary experience most admirably fit him for the position."

Lord \ounger explained that Sir J iSaircl and Lord Forster were quite dissimilar in temperament, yet both were charming men. ■' ■ '