Mr. James Brown’s Death

Manawatu Times, Volume 64, Issue 114, 17 May 1939, Page 9

Mr. James Brown’s Death

MINER TO KING’S DEPUTY LONDON, March 36. The death has occurred of Mr, James Brown, M.P., the first commoner since 1643 to hold the post of Lord High Commissioner to the General Assembly of the Church of Scotland. Mr. Brown was born in Ayrshire in 1862, and at the age of 12 he began 29 years’ continuous work in coal mines. He was at one time president of the Ayrshire Miners ’ Union until he became a full-time miners’ agent. He was elected a member of Parliament for Ayrshire in 1918.. When the Labour Government came into power in 1924, Mr. Brown was appointed Lord High Commissioner to the General Assembly of the Church of Scotland. As deputy for the King, he transferred his abode for a fortnight from liis humble home to the magnificence of the Palace of Holyrood in Edinburgh. Twenty-one guns were fired and trumpets blared in his honour. He wore the uniform of a deputy-lieutenant, and his suite and that of his wife included members of the Scottish aristocracy. They attended St. Giles Cathcdr.il in State and gave dinners, garden parties and receptions. He and Mrs. Brown during their term in Edinburgh were addressed as “Your Grace.” In 1930 and 1931 Mr. Brown served again as Lord High Commissioner, succeeding the Duke of York. Quite unspoilt by their temporary grandeur, Mr. Brown and his wife returned contented to their 14s a week cottage. Mr. Brown was made a Privy Councillor in 1930, and given the honorary degree oE LLD. by Glasgow University in 1931.