SIMPLEST RITES

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume LXIV, 24 March 1930, Page 5

SIMPLEST RITES

BURIAL OF EARL OF BALFOUR SCENES AT GRAVESIDE WREATH FROM NEW ZEALAND (United Press Association—By Electric Telegraph—Copyright) LONDON, 22nd March. The simplest rites characterised Lho Earl of Balfour's funeral at the private burial ground at Whittingbame in the shadow of Lammormuir hills. While the nation was honouring him at Westminster AS) bey, other services were held at Edinburgh Cathedral and Cambridge University church. Besides his own people who came to sec the Laird of VVlnttinghaine buried., the only persons present at the church were his immediate relatives, including the aged and feeble Miss Balfour, who was Jong her brother's hostess. She was completely broken up by his death. The service was conducted by Rev. Marshall Lang, brother of the Archbishop of Canterbury, who participated ill the Westminster service.

While the village schoolmaster played the Dead March on a tiny harmonium, six of the oldest servants of the estate carried the palled coffin to a farm waggon, drawn by horses, on which the last journey was made through the Earl of Balfour's favourite, walk past the bowling green, which he presented to the village. When the cofiin was lowered into the grave, Miss Balfour was lifted from her invalid chair and assisted by relatives, walked slowly to the grave. She sat clown on the excavated clay and showered snowdrops from a basket on to the cofiin, sobbing bitterly. The family followed, each sprinkling snowdrops. There were hundreds of wreaths from all parts, which included Mr Wilford's, inscribed, "Tribute from New Zealand to a great Empire statesman." Those at the graveside included a company' of Japanese students from Edinburgh, who asked permission to pay their personal respects to the dead earl.

AT WESTMINSTER ABBEY

LONDON, 22nd March

The Earl's sister's sorrow caused a poignant incident at Westminster Abbey. Dowager Lady Raylcigh, although urged not to attend owing to illhealth, sat in a bath chair near the choir stalls. While the choir was singing, "I know that my Redeemer liveth," her head fell forward, her shoulders shook, and she raised her thin white hand appealingly. Women knelt beside her. Lord Dawson left his place, hurried forward, took Lady Rayleigh's hand, and raised her head. She smiled and clasped her hands and remained motionless until the service had ended.

The great- congregation included the Puke of York, representing the King, Britain's most prominent statesmen, representatives of the services, ambassadors of foreign powers, scientists, business men, and men in all branches of public life.