BRIEF SPEECHES

Evening Star, Issue 22541, 8 January 1937, Page 12

BRIEF SPEECHES

EACH A SENTENCE 'A record in brevity was established at the Savoy Hotel recently when 11 after-luncheon, speeches were delivered in seven and a-half minutes. The British Sportsmen’s Club entertained a number of notabilities, and after their introduction by the chairman, Lord Decies, all but one responded in one-sentence speeches (says the i Daily Telegraph ’). The speakers and their remarks were Squadron-leader F. R. D. Swain, holder of the world’s altitude record: I merely flew an aeroplane which a great percentage of the Royal Air Force could have done equally well, if not better. Mr Giles Guthrie, who, with Mr C. W. A. Scott, won the Portsmouth-South Africa air race: Scott will not talk, so I have to thank you for both of us. Miss Wanda Morgan, winner of the English ladies’ golf championship: I ready' do not see why I am honoured in this way. Mrs Markham, who made an east-to-wcst solo flight over the Atlantic recently: Thanks very much. Mr J. M'Lean, finalist of the American amateur open golf championship: I am sorry I did not bring the championship back. Miss Susan Noel, who has returned to squash rackets from tennis; I think this is the first time ladies have been invited to this lunch, and I hope it will not be the last. Mr H. H. Whitlock, winner of the 50-kilometres walk at the Olympic Games; I shall, when opportunity presents, again do my best to uphold British prestige. Miss K. Stammers, the lawn tennis player: I appreciate very much being included in such a distinguished list of guests. Mr Jack Beresford, who, with Mr L. F. Southward, won the Olympic double sculls: I would rather be in training for another ten months and row another race in Berlin than make a speech here v Mr Sonthwood: Thanks very much. Finally Flight-lieutenant Tommy Rose, striking a heroic attitude, and obviously referring to his recent forced landing, declared: J have done my best to show that British pilots and British aeroplanes afe every bit as unreliable as Scott and Guthrie have done their best iQ show the.v arc reliable.