LATE EARL HAIG

Otago Witness, Issue 3860, 6 March 1928, Page 51

LATE EARL HAIG

MANSION HOUSE FUND. LONDON, March 2. “ Earl Haig’s services to the country since the war were even greater than in wartime,” said the Prince of Wales, inaugurating a memorial fund at Mansion House. “He inspired and steadied ex-servicemen in the difficult post-war years, standing by them like a rock when they looked to him to see them through the transition to civilian life. H e died in harness, helping ex-servicemen. He created and inspired the British Legion and devoted the remaining years of his life to it.”

Mr Stanley Baldwin announced that four trustees for the fund would be appointed—the Prince of Wales, Mr Ramsay MacDonald, Mr Lloyd George, and himself. He added that the trustees would impartially consider claims from England, Scotland, Ireland, and Wales. He urged that all contributions should go to the national fund in preference to local collections for local purposes. Mr MacDonald said that Earl Haig’s distinctive characteristic was solicitude for the common soldier. H e befriended be-medalled men who spent their only capital, namely, their manhood, in the country’s service, and had returned to the civilian world and found it cold and inhospitable.

The Prince of Wales formally inaugurated the appeal for which the Lord Mayor has opened the Mansion House fund. The appeal is signed by political leaders, Lord Jellicoe. Admiral Maddeiv Field Marshal Milne, and Air Marshal Trenchard who states that it has been decided that the best memorial would consist of permanent cottage homes for ex-servicemen and their widows and orphans, which would also be available to , ex-servicemen of future generations. They seek at least £500,0000. It was originally proposed to include a statue, but the Government decided to erect this.

Th e Prince of Wales headed the contributions with £250.