"HIS SLIGHT OVERSIGHT"

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXVII, Issue 23618, 30 March 1940, Page 2 (Supplement)

"HIS SLIGHT OVERSIGHT"

Son Idolised by Ric was Left Out MR. WALTER LAWRENCE ("Lucky Jim" to His friends) sat in his cream-furnished luxury apartment in London talking about the father who loved him. For the last twelve years, until Sir Walter Lawrence, the building contractor, died, father and son had worked together. They never had a cross word.

WHEN Sir Walter's £133,000 will was published on March 1, "Lucky Jim" had been left out of it. The father idolised the Bon. The son thought more of his father than of anybody else in the world. But Sir Walter left most of his- fortune to one of his younger sons, Guy, and his two daughters. "It was a shock. " That was how Mr. Lawrence described the will to a Daily Express representative. Then he added: "It was also a surprise to learn that he had omitted my brother Pat, to whom he was very devoted. No Cross Words "One thing is certain—my father's wishes will be fully respected. 1 have certainly no reason to contest the terms of the will. "Father and i had no difference of opinion. We were devoted. All my life • —and I have been closely associated with him in business for the last 12 years—l do not think we have ever had a cross word. "'When father lay seriously ill I was constantly by his side. A blood transfusion was necessary, and 1 was the first person to offer myself. "It is difficult to imagine what were his thoughts when he made his will. Fop many years a cheque always came along on my birthday."

Plunket were killed in California, added: "!t is remarkable to recall my father's many considerations. Immediately he knew that I was badly injured lie sent my sister to California.

"Daily for six weeks ho cabled inquiries about my condition. Instructions were given that 1 was to receive the best medical attention available. "On the day of father's funeral. 1 distributed a printed obituary to 100 of his closest friends. It was m\ own signed tribute to a wonderful man." Mr. Lawrence, who at the time of the interview, was to be married in a few days to Miss Elizabeth Corcoran, the young actress who appeared ir "Follow the Sun." said his father had never met his future wife. "I shall still be a director in my father's company," he added, "though. I shall, of course, have knuckle down a bit because of " Then he added three words lie had used more than once while he talked. They wore: "His slight oversight; " A Gamble at Monte Carlo Here are some extracts from the little booklet, given by Jim Lawrence to friends on the funeral day: With the passing of Sir "Walter Lawrence we lose one of the finest types of Englishmen—a big man in every sense He was a tireless worker, devoted parent, loyal friend, and a host who will long bo remembered. Ever since he joined his father's building firm in Waltham Abbey, 50 vears ago, he spared himself not at all. His energy allied to a wonderful imag-

Mr. Jim Lawrence, now thirty-seven years old and sole survivor of the aeroplane crash in which Lord and Lady

inntion gradually brought him to Hip top. No 0110 was loss spoiled by success. l<'or years ln> gave 11j> a great, deal of his time and experience lo the London Master Builders' Association and other trade organisations and later to the Herts County Council.

If lie was at times impetuous, and who with Irish blood in his veins is not, it was usually characterised by acts of unpremeditated generosity ns, lor instance, when, within a few minutes of the news being published ho telegraphed a large sum of money for the relief of the bereaved in the Hye lifeboat disaster or. again, when he paid the high price on the spur of the moment lor the manuscript of ".Journey's End," which was auctioned nt a charity dinner.

The manuscript was Inter presented to the nation".

In spite of his devotion to duty in many directions, Sir Walter was 'fond of tiie good things of life, and during his holidays ho was often to be found, superstitious to a degree, waging a losing battle against the tables at Monte Carlo.