THE BRITISH PREMIER.

Taranaki Daily News, 16 September 1924, Page 5

THE BRITISH PREMIER.

SHARES IN BISCUIT COMPANY. GIFT OF A MOTOR-CAR. By Telegraph-Press Assn.—Conyright London, Sept. 13. Sir Alexander Grant, interviewed by the Sunday Express, said Mr. MacDonald’s explanation respecting the shares in the Edinburgh Biscuit Company was correct. Sir Alexander said: “Shortly after becoming Prime Minister ho stayed with me in Edinburgh looking very ill. When I learned that he was travelling oh the London underground railways I felt that he was overdoing things. For instance, after delivering a fine speech at the Pilgrims’ dinner he took the train to Chequers, where there was an old Ford car waiting. I suggested that I should give him a motor-car. Mr. MacDonald replied: “There are only three from whom I would accept one You are one of the three.” That is the whole story. I think the nation ought to be grateful to me for doing something to preserve the health of a man whose work is national.” THE WHOLE CASE EXPLAINED. CAPITAL NOT HIS. London, Sept. 14. Mr. MacDonald, interviewed, expressed indignation at the disclosure regarding the £30,060, not for hi a own sake, but because it reflected on Sir Alex. Grant. “When I became Prime Minister Sir Alexander Grant was the proudest and happiest man in Scotland, although we are at opposite poles in polities. We met shortly afterwards and Sir Alexander said his contribution to my comfort would be a Diamler car. 1 replied: T will have to be content to hire a car,’ pointing out that when r.o longer Prime Minister I would Ibe a poorer man than T was upon entering office. Sir Alexander pressed his offer, saying: ‘I will endow the car.’ ” Mr. MacDonald long objected, saying that to use a motor-car was against his simple habits. He finally consented and it was arranged that £30,000 should be invested to provide interest for the upkeep of the car, during Air. MagDonald’s lifetime, then the capital would revert to Sir Alex. Grant or his heirs.

“Thus,” added Mr. MacDonald, although the capital is not mine I technically own the share#. I am sick to death to have to talk about this., but must protect my dear old friend in the enjoyment of the honour which the King worthily bestowed upon him.”