HAIG MEMORIAL

Grey River Argus, 10 February 1928, Page 5

HAIG MEMORIAL

PREMIER’S TRIBUTE Labour Proposal TO OLD EX-SERVICEMEN DEFEATED. (Reed. Feb. 9 at 7.30 p.m.) LONDON, Feb. 8. In the Commons, Mr Baldwin, proposing a. resolution that .the King be asked to direct that a monument be erected to Earl Haig’s memory at a public charge, with an inscription expressing thp admiration of the House for his illustrious career, and gra.titude for his illustrious services to the State, said the amount for such a monument varied from £5090 to £7OOO. It was too early yet to decide the ultimate place of any statesmen or soldiers in the world war, but Earl Haig, by common consent, was one of the great figures. His country recognised in him what they value most in a man, steadfastness and absolute and complete inteprity. A man to whom a mean thought or a mean act was impossible. Loyal to everybody in the army and what was even more difficult, loyal to tae civil governing power. His humble spirit made itself felt throughout the British Army ami as no small factor in the mora.e of these great forces. “He was one of rhe few men, I would choose as worthy 1 > be laid by Sir Walter Scott. Hp was indeed a perfect gentleman and a knight. We now want a simple monument at which men of the British Legion can lay their ponpicj, and showing it to tncir children, sav—“There ho is.” Mr MacDonald said that to some, wa’’ was. sue!’, a teaiblc calamity that a m: u associated uiili h. tea led to be (ome a symbol of h.ittlc and bloo - shod. “As a 'ompqnencc we h <ve viewed the names of great soldiers in a false perspective. In the latter part of his life, Earl Haig revealed the whole man to us. No or widow or o’phan of a dead soldier failed to find a way to Earl .Haig’s Imart. He t< tight many battles—none more nobly than tl.e last, on behalf of suffering humanly. •’’ Mr MacDonald < a pressed regret U. 1h( Govi’runu-n.:’s j reposal aking the form o:’ a marbl 1 memorial instead of honouring Earl Haig by caring for exst • vice r.-, whom Earl Haig eared for il<‘ moved as an amendment that, a select committee inquire into the best method of honouring Earl Haig’s mom After Gir R. Hutchison, on behalf of Hie Liberals, ami Major J. B. Cohen, the legless member for Fairfield Division of Liverpool, had spoken, Mr J. H. Thomas urged tha.t there should bp no division on the amendment as it would be misunderstood in the country. Mr MacDonald's amendment, however was rejected by 220 to 103, and Mr Baldwin’s resolution agreed to.