“MAN WHO GIVES WITH DELIGHT.”

Star (Christchurch), Issue 18186, 20 June 1927, Page 5

“MAN WHO GIVES WITH DELIGHT.”

LORD READING’S PRAISE OF MR BERNHARD BARON. LONDON, May 1. t To his long list of public benefactions j Mr Bernard Baron—“the Tobacco j King"—has added another in the shape of a convalescent home at Brighton for his girl employees. “Of the many kind deeds you have done, this is in- i deed the best,” said one of his workers, Miss Hall, to him this afternoon, after the Marquess of Reading had performed the opening ceremony. Situated on high ground in Queen’s Park, the home was originally a private residence, and has been admirably adapted to its present purpose. Twenty Patients. It has accommodation for twenty patients. the first of whom to arrive on Tuesday and the, remainder on the following day. A matron. Mrs Savory, is in charge, and an official laughingly said that the question of medical attention will be “largely in the hands of Dr Brighton.” Lord Reading said Mr Baron was a man who gave with delight, but also with a purpose. Hia purpose was to make people seal-reliant, healthy in body and in mind; his object was to help build up the nation—both the present and the future generation—in order that we might have strong', healthy-mind-ed and healthy-bodied citizens of the Empire. He had a wide vision, because he did not devote his works of charity to one particular section or to one religious community. “He puts on his spectacles.” said Lord Reading. “which give him a great orbit of philanthropic vision; he can see humanity, and he is striving, as I understand, in all that he does to work for all human beings.” It was for that reason hi*s activities were so specially appreciated. His “Children.” , It was a great thing to see a man who had become prosperous in his business thinking also of those who were associated with him and working for him. Perhaps if we had more men with this consideration we should hear less than we do of difficulties that occur between employer and employed. “I regard it,” he added, “as an example given by him—which no doubt others have followed and will follow — ; of striving to introduce that better spirit between workers and employer which we all so anxiously desire in this country.” Turning to Mr Baron, Lord Reading said: “You are a singular man. You live here in this part of the world as you have lived for twenty-five years, making no difference in your mode of life, but finding your pleasure, your luxury, in spending your money for the benefit of other people.” Mr Baron said that ever since he was able to do so he had always helped other people. “It is my duty,” he said simply. An employer, whether he had five or 500 or 5000 employees should never forget that they helped him to make what he got. The future of the country and the welfare of the people were with every employer, who should consider his workers as his own children. “Although my people number nearly 3000,” he said* “1 consider them my children.” The Mayor of Brighton (Councillor R. Major) proposed, and the Mayor of Hove (Councillor Close) seconded, a vote of thanks to Lord Reading.