RAMSAY MacDONALD

Grey River Argus, 29 November 1937, Page 5

RAMSAY MacDONALD

A SIMPLE FUNERAL. [Aus. & N.Z. Cable Assn.] LONDON, November 26. Royalty, statesmen, humble friends and one-time political enemies joined in the service held in Westminster Abbey for the late Mr Ramsay MacDonald. The Duke of Gloucester represented the King. Most of the members of Cabinet were present, lhe Archbishop of Canterbury (Dr. Cosmo Gordon Lang) took part in the service. The coffin, which was covered with a Union Jack and masses of flowers, was borne from Mr MacDonald's former home at Hampstead by Mr Neville Chamberlain, Sir John Simon, Earl De La Warr, Earl Baldwin, Mr C. R. Attlee, Sir Walter Citrine, Sir Archibald Sinclair, Mr Graham Kerr, and Mr G. A. Morrison as pall-bear-crs. The High Commissioner (Mr W. J. Jordan) represented New Zealand.

After the service the coffin was carried to the Golders Green crematorium, where a private service was held. The ashes were later takn to Lossiemouth.

(Received November 28, at 7 p.m.) LONDON, November 27.

Boyhood friends of the late Mr. Ramsay MacDonald followed the hearse to his graveside at Spynie, near Lossiemouth, where his ashes were interred beside his wife. His sons, Alister and Malcolm MacDonald, took turns to carry the urn from the station to Hillocks, the late Mr. MacDor/ild’s former home. Every shop was closed. Hundreds of wreaths, including one from the Japanese Foreign Minister, arrived from all over the world. Glasgow orpheus choir led singing at the verandah. James Paterson, officiating at the service, said that the mourners thought of Mr. MacDonald, not as a great statesman, but as one of themselves.