NATIONAL LOSS

Gisborne Times, Volume LXXI, Issue 11326, 2 October 1930, Page 5

NATIONAL LOSS

DEATH- OF EARL pE RIRKEN : <f , ’ HEAD ' > i ■'

STRIKING - TRIBUTES FROM FRIENDS AND FOES

BRITISH PREMIER’S EULOGY ) "TRULY A WONDERFUL MAN” (UVP.A bv Elec. Tel: 'Copyright) ' v - -- / • LONDON, Sent. JO. The Earl of 'Birkenhead's death was not cx'peeted, despite ms mug* Ihv illness, rind iii view of tlio tact that ho' was recently' reported to be out'Of danger. His wilo aiuo-.aimlj /were present. ’' '. The-newspapers give lengthy attention to his extraordinary-cared,, from humble beginnings Putin; highest offices in tho country.- Equally 10markable are tlie number ot nmutes from loaders of all brandies ol file, those belonging to a different political school being in nowise lacking m generous and-’sincere regard to ins outstanding capabilities. • A few 1 examples of the numerous tributes arc as follows 1 Air Lloyd George: There was no more ’brilliant mind consecrated to the service of tho State in this generation. His unquenchable courage was of the highest order, and tie exorcised superb judgment. . Lord Hewart: Tho country lias lost a most distinguished statesman and lawyer. Air Winston Churchill: Ho was a most loyal, faithful and valiant friend. Ills' intellectual independence and knowledge of all the • grave issues pending make Ins death a national impoverishment. Air Ramsay MacDonald : ILo was truly a wonderful man. His intellectual capacity was equalled by Ins deft command in debate ol every weapon, both of offence and defence. Alt J. IC dynes: He was a dangerous damaging political opponent. Admiration for his extraordinai > o-ift-s submerged the feeling or hostility which'his combative qualities usually provoked. Lord Reading: One ol the most strikingly powerful personalities ui our time. .' , • Sir John Simon : A striking combination of bodily, and mtellecLuili vigor with an amazing gilt of pliiase, repartee, audacity, and resource in discussion. All the newspapers devote lengthy reviews t» his life works, together witii special articles thereon. ROYAL CONDOLENCES His Alajesty, in a message to Lady Birkenhead, says: "The Queen and uivself assure you arid your children of our true- sympathy. Lord Birkenhead’s death will, greatly bo regretted. I shall ever gratefully remember his distinguished services in the highest, offices of State.” Numerous other tributes are paid by Lord Birkenhead’s political friends and opponents. CRITICAL TONE IN PRESS Tho press generally arc more critical in their reviews of his career than are tho politicians. Tho Morning Post, while paying a tribute to liis services to the State, says: “The wonder is not that ho" has achieved so much, bub that with such brilliant talents and great opportunities ho bad not achieved 1 uPi-e. It is impossible to say lie lias loft his murk anywhere upofi his ago.” - . The Daily. Herald, under a heading "Birkenhead, His’ Worst Enemy , publishes an article by Harold Laski saying that no one ever doubted his grea't°intellectual power. He was an admirable judge, a brilliaiit debater, and a skilled negotiator, hut lie had grave faults both of character and temDor. and lie enjoyed playing the part of a- reckless adventurer. Tlio Daily Telegraph says: ‘The Lord Chancellorship offered Lord Birkenhead it chance which he took superbly of leaving a great name to bo admired by lawyers, but denied him tlie even superior prize, namely, leadership of tlio Conservative party”. : " , . Lord Birkenhead’s body has been removed from liis -residence in Gto.xvenor Gardens to Gray's Inn Chapel, where it will remain until the funeral on. Saturday at Charlton, near Banbury, where he had his country residence.

“A GREAT PATRIOT AND A GREAT LORD CHANCEL 1.0 R. •

Tai»;i Cai;t.i:. (Received Oct 1, 7 p.m.) ' LONDON. Oct. 1

The Time's, coinmenting on the dealli of Lord Birkenhead, .sn.vs“The true valimtion of his career and its ideals will long be disputed, but ur> figure ill his da_v was more real (o the maSs of bis eomeuijro'rnrios.”

The. Daih - Express says: “To i.ho«o who urge that he made mistakes and had his failings, we can answer ‘Yes,’ and ask ‘Who is' without them?’. At the same time lie was a great fighter, a great' patriot, • a great Lord Chancellor, and a great friend-” nCJ.P-A. by Elec- Tel. Copyright, (Received Oct. 1, H p.in.) LONDON, 0ct..1.

Tiie body of Lord Birkenhead will be cremated at Goldens ‘ Green on Friday' and the aslies will be. taken to Charlton. -'- ? ♦ - ’