A FITTING END.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LI, Issue 15768, 17 November 1914, Page 7

A FITTING END.

WITHIN SOUND OF GUNS.

GRIEF IX BRITAIN

London, November 15.

I."' - '! R-'lktls had a rough crossing '' v <''' the Channel on Wednesday, lion lie was accompanied by his daughter. lie showed no sign of distress on landing, and visited the British bases and camps on Thursday. On Friday he inspected 'he Indians. A chill developed in the evening, and he complained of a slight pain on Saturday. The doctors relieved this, and he fell into a quiet sleep, in which he tranquill., expired. Sir John French, in telegraphing his condolences to Lady Roberts on behalf of the army, says: " It seems a fit ending to the life of so great a soldier that he should have passed away in the midst of the troops he loved so well, and within the sound of the guns. " Lord Roberts had been remarkably active since the beginning of the war. and dealt with a vast correspondence with friends in the army, to whom he gave advice and (sympathy. He was a constant visitor to various Government Departments, and was apparently in robust health. The suddenness of his death caused a great shock in Kngland. Many references to his decease were made in the churches to-day. Their Majesties the King and Queen were greatly distressed at the death of Lord Roberts, and sent messages of condolence to his wife and family. Tin- question of the interment of Hie remains of the great soldier in St Paul's is now being considered.

MoI'RNKI) IX AUSTRALIA. COMMONWEALTH TRIBUTE. Sydney. November 16. 'In' newspapers publish leading '!'!'- pa.n'ng a tribute to Lord noberts ,is "the Empire's greatest Sr-Mier ' Ti," 'Invernrir-flcnerfil has cabled *" llie Countess Roberts: '_' The raiian forces mourn the loss of th'ii i ..lonej in-Chief." KKWS in SOCTH AFRICA. APPRECIATION OF SERVICES. '•'■■• I N.,v.t,.Ut if,, II 5.-1 p.m.) 1 mm town, November 15. 'he i" ■' papei s pay appreciative *- n '''' - '■< l.ail Roberts's services t<> Hi' ; M.piie and in South Africa. (■KIKE AT THE FRONT. GREAT GLOOM IN INDIA. i"' <:■<■] ,V. vemlwr 17. 1-2.30 a m i London, November Id I mum go to meet the Indian "l<lici ; it is the most useful thing ' can -In at this moment," Earl H0i,..,; s.ijj [ 0 in intimate friend I"'i"! i departing for France. With '"n la.-1 service done he passed a\\a\ Km I Roberts was received by the Maharajah of Bikanir and Sir' Per- .,, tah Much on Thursday at the }";, Indian headquarters. On Friday he '*> visited the British troops. On re'iS ' ' tuiuii.j to the headquarters in the v, evening he experienced a chill. His 11

son-in-law and daughter were with him throughout. Army surgeons and specialists hastened from all parts of the front to attend to the stricken Earl, but their skill was unavailing. When the news of his death reached the trenches many old-time soldiers broke down, sobbing bitterly. It is reported from Calcutta that the death of Earl Roberts has caused deep gloom everywhere in India, particularly in military centres. In deference to the family's desire, he will be buried privately at All Saints' Church, Ascot, adjacent to his home. The King sent an autograph letter of condolence to Countess Roberts. Earl Roberts visited the wounded Indians at Boulogne, and conversed with them in Hindustani. Re received a groat ovation from the Indians at the front. He frequently said: "I am so glad I came." The Bishop of Salisbury, referring to his death, said that Earl Roberts had been like a voice in the wilderness, warning hi scountry of the peril -he was too blind to see, yet when the storm broke, he uttered no reproaching word.