THE LATE EARL ROBERTS.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LI, Issue 15769, 18 November 1914, Page 8

THE LATE EARL ROBERTS.

A NATIONAL MONUMENT.

HIS SERVICES TO THE STATE.

MR. ASQUITH'S ANNOUNCEMENT. A By Telegraph Press Association— (Received November 17, 9.50 p.m.) London, November 16. In the House of Commons Mr. Asquith announced that he would ask Parliament to erect a national monument to Earl Roberts, with an inscription expressing the admiration of the H6use of his illustrious military career, and its gratitude for his devoted services to the State.

WAR IN A GOOD CAUSE.

FOR 'BRITISH LIBERTY.

FAREWELL TO IRISH GUARDS.

Times and Sydney Sun Services. (.Received November 17, 7.30 p.m.)

London, November 16.

Earl Roberts, in bidding farewell to the Irish Guards when they departed for the front, said: "I am proud of being an Irishman. lam proud of being a coionei of the Irish Guards. We are fighting in a good cause. We are fighting for our country's liberty, the preservation of our great Empire, and to prevent friendly nations being crushed by a formidable and unscrupulous enemy. You are in God's hands. Trust Him, and be of good courage. Pie will help to strengthen you. I pray God I may live to welcome you returning covered with honour and glory." He shook hands with every officer.

Field-Marshal Sir Evelyn Wood says that if the nation had listened to Earl Roberts our war casualties might have been materially lessened.

PASSED AWAY IN SLEEP.

INTERMENT AT ASCOT.

London, November 16.

Another account of Earl Roberts's death says that it was not until after dinner that ho complained of a slight chill. Being subject to trifling chest troubles, he retired early. His temperature increased, and three doctors who were called in decided that his condition was critical!. Lord Roberts complained of pain, which the doctors relieved. He then fell asleep without showing any uneasiness, and passed away in his sleep. The funeral will take place at All Saints , Ascot, where the family resided for 11 yearß. Lady Roberts declined the offer of a burial in Westminster Abbey. To the end of his life Lord Roberts's correspondence was enormous. He always wrote his own letters. He conducted morning prayers every day for his household, and was a very regular churchgoer, always walking rather than give his chauffeur work on the Sabbath. Everybody at Ascot worshipped the famous soldier.

A message, from Amsterdam states that practically the whole German press pay a tribute to Lord Roberts.