LATE SIR JAMES O’GRADY

Greymouth Evening Star, 22 December 1934, Page 8

LATE SIR JAMES O’GRADY

ACCEPTANCE OF KNIGHTHOOD. ‘ LONDON, December 11. The diarist of the “Evening Standard” gives the late Sir James O’Grady’s own version of his acceptance of the Governorship of Tasmania as follows: — The Secretary for the Dominions (Mr J. I-I. Thomas), in making the offer personally, said: “In accordance with precedent, you will be offered a K.C.M.G., and, of course, as a good Labour man., you will refuse it. Sir James O’Grady replied: “1 will do nothing of the sort. If His Majesty is kind enough to honour me, it will be a greater honour to accept.” “But think of the parly, Jim," said Mr Thomas. Sir James O’Grady retorted hotly that the interests of the party were not concerned. Sir James O’Grady told the diarist the story of his visit to the Palace to receive his K.C.M.G. “When I rose to my feet,” he said, “I wag overcome with emotion, and for once my tongue left me. ‘Your Majesty, I do not know what to say.’ The King put his arm on my shoulder. ‘Don’t say anything, Sir James. Come and talk with me about cabinet-mak-ing; not my kind, but yours.’ ”