MR RAMSAY MACDONALD

Southland Times, Issue 19501, 16 March 1925, Page 7

MR RAMSAY MACDONALD

RETURNING MOTOR CAR AND SHARES (By Telegraph— Pres* Assn. —Copyright.) (Sun Cable). LONDON, March 13. The Standard states that Mr Ramsay MacDonald is returning Sir Alexander Grant’s motor-car, also the shares which were presented to him. Mr MacDonald, in explaining the position when it was discussed in September last, said: “When I became Prime Minister Sir Alexander Grant was the proudest and happiest man in Scotland, although we are as opposite as the poles in politics. We met shortly afterwards. Sir Alexander Grant said that his contribution to my comfort would be a Diamler car. I replied: T wall have to be content to hire a car,’ pointing out that when I was no longer Prime Minister I would be a poorer man than I was upon entering office. Sir Alexander Grant pressed his offer, saying: I will endow a car.’ ” Mr MacDonald for a long time objected, saying that the use of a motor-car was against his simple habits, but be finally consented. It was arranged that £30,000 should be invested to provide interest for the upkeep of the car during Mr MacDonald’s lifetime, then the capital would revert to Sir Alexander Grant or his heirs. “Thus,” added Mr MacDonald, “although the capital is not mine, I technically own the shares: I am sick to death to have to talk about this, but I must protect my dear old friend, who is enjoying an honour which the King worthily bestowed upon him.”