OBITUARY.

Waikato Times, Volume 107, Issue 17964, 8 March 1930, Page 7

OBITUARY.

VISCOUNT GLADSTONE. . LONDON, March 6. The death has occurred of Viscount Gladstone, the youngest son of the late Mr W. E. Gladstone, aged 76. The late Herbert John Viscount Gladstone was the youngest son of W. E. Gladstone, the great Liberal statesman of the Victorian era. He was for a lengthy period private secretary to his father. He was for 30 years Member for West Leeds and filled many important offices. In recent years the name of • Lord Gladstone 'has come prominently before the world through his courageous action in defending the good name of his father. In 1926 a book was published, in which grave reflections were cost on the great statesman moral reputation. Lord Gladstone instantly countered the accusations with a denial and wrote that their author was “ a liar, a coward, a fool, and a foul fellow.” The writer of the. book challenged this description of 'himself by bringing an action against Lord Gladstone. The outcome after a hearing which lasted five days was a verdict for Lord Gladstone and a complete vindication of his father's character.