ENGLISH PERSONALITIES.

Timaru Herald, Volume CXXXIV, Issue 18822, 10 March 1931, Page 10

ENGLISH PERSONALITIES.

MAJOR JOHN ASTOR (By T.CXi.) It was on the Mokau River in August, 1925. The Empire Press delegates from England and Canada, en route to the Third Imperial Press Conference in Melbourne, had come overland from Rotorua, and were being taken by launch on a trip up that picturesque river. Alas! Just after the little vessel left the wharf, the weather broke, and the rain fell as it can only fall in the Mokau district. There was a rush and a scuttle for the protection of the cockpit, but there was at least one figure that did not move. It was that of a tall distinguished looking military man, who simply folded his overcoat a little more securely around him, and braved the storm with a philosophic smile, leaving the awning to the others. The trip had to be abandoned, and on the boat returning to the New Plymouth side of the river, it was found that one of the cars had got stuck in the sand when leaving the punt. A rope was soon found, and the first volunteer to lend a hand was the same man. who was Major John Astox, M.P., proprietor of "The Times.”

These two little incidents served as an introduction to Major Astor, and betokened the character of the man. He has never thought of himself, but always of others. Quiet and retiring as he is rich and influential, he is never happier than when he is doing good unto, others. He regards his immense wealth as but a trust to be used for the benefit of his countrymen, and his great concern is lest he fail in this self-imposed duty. It was in this spirit of service to the common weal that he bought “The Times” when it come into the market on the death of Lord Northcliffe. He felt that this great national organ should never again be the sport of financiers or financial groups, but rather that it should be conducted as a national organ in the interests of the people for the people, never as a means of money-making ox as an instrument for the advancement of political or other interests How completely he has succeeded is shown by the prestige of the paper, which in its long history was never higher than at present. But Major Astor has done more. He has so arranged The Times’ affairs that when he passes on, the paper’s present disinterested policy and national characteristics shall be preserved for the benefit of future generations. To this end he has set up a Trust, comprising the Archbishop of Canterbury, the Lord Mayor of London, and other national personalities, that will automatically operate should there be any departure from the policy laid down by the present proprietor. It is a noble conception, worthy of a noble man.

It was the unanimous opinion of colonial delegates to the Fourth Imperial Press Conference in London last year that, outside of His Majesty the King. Major Astor was the outstanding personality met with in Great Britain. Always tactful and dignified as head of the Conference. he never obtruded himself, yet he was ever alert and forceful. His speeches were gems of concise and fluent English. He never used two words when one would do; never a long Roman word when a short, crisp Anglo-Saxon one would suffice. His welcome speech to the Overseas delegates at the historical Guildhall was a model of felicity and set the standard for and gave the key to the series of functions that followed in quick succession.

Wealth and position can never make a man, but they can be of immense help to a man like Major Astor, whose main idea in life is to serve his fellows and his country. His indeed has been a life of service. After leaving Oxford, he joined the Life Guards, was attached to the staff of the Viceroy of India for three years, served in the Great War. was an Alderman of the City of London, and has been a member of Parliament for nine years. Between times he has managed to serve on dozens of social and charity organisations. In the War Major Astor served with distinction with his regiment, the First 1,1 f* nnqrds until he was severely wounded. But for the skilled surgical attention that was promptly given his hie would have been lost. As it was he lost a leg, but this disability does not interfere with his golf or his tennis, or even his hunting. He is wonderfully energetic, yet his intimate friends affirm that he has not a minute without pain. An authentic story is told that after the War, when walking down a London street, the Major happened to meet the surgeon who attended him in the trenches. The doctor, who was now at the head of a London hospital, said he would like The Times to make an appeal on behalf of the funds nf the hospital, which were in a low state. "How much do you want?” asked the Major. "A quarter of a million,” came the reply. Next day the doctor received the Major’s own cheque for the full amount! There was no public appeal. Behind a good man there is generally a good woman. In Lady Violet, Major Astor is singularly blessed. She is a lady of many parts, and as gifted as she is beautiful. She is just as much at home on the platform addressing an audience at Greenwich as in meeting society at Carlton Terrace: in talking with the costers in the East End as in discussing the problems of the day with diplomats and politicians in the environs of Westminster. (Lady Violet must not be confused with her sister-in-law, Viscountess Astor, M.P., the aggressive social reformer). A pretty, yet somewhat tragic, story is related of the marriage of Major Astor and Lady Violet. The Major had a great chum who had gone through Eton and Oxford with him. They also entered the Life Guards together. They became suitors for the hand of Lady Violet. His chum won. Marriage followed. Then came the War. The chum, now in command of the regiment, was mortally wounded in action, and knowing he could not live long, sent for Major Astor, and told him he would die happily if he promised to take care of his wife. He gave the promise, and later sought the hand of the beautiful young widow in marriage. It has proved an ideal union.

Major and Lady Violet exercise a considerable influence in the life of London and of England, and it is acknowledged that the greatest honours in the gift of the King are theirs if they would but accept them. They prefer, however, to remain as they are. and go on doing their duty in their humble, selfless way. Such are of the salt of the earth, and make for the majesty and influence of England.