IN DIRE POVERTY.

Waikato Times, Volume 108, Issue 18166, 3 November 1930, Page 6

IN DIRE POVERTY.

FAMOUS ENGLISH POET. SIR WILLIAM WATSON’S PLIGHT. PROPOSED TESTIMONIAL FUND. United Press Assn. —Elec. Tel. Copyright. LONDON, Nov. 1. The news that Sir William Watson, the famous English poet, is lying ill and poverty-stricken is revealed in a letter signed by many famous authors, artists, actors and other prominent men,- including Sir James Barrie, Mr Rudyard Kipling,, Mr G. Bernard Shaw, Mr Lloyd George and Viscount Burnham, inaugurating a testimonial fund: — The letter says:—“Sir William has remained loyal to the high purposes with which he set out upon his career, and has splendidly fulfilled them. In nearly 30 volumes of his poetry and prose he shows himself always a great craftsman, and as a ’ lord of language 1 he is in the Miltonic tradition. “Now, after 72 years of life, 58 of which he has spent in the august but materially unremunerative service of his Muse, the oldest of our poets lies ill and in poverty.” The appeal points out that the world often is neglectful of its chief authentic singers, and expresses the hope that in this case there will be no cause for final self-reproach. “ Despite the abnormal difficulties existing everywhere,” says the letter, “ we do not doubt that our appeal will meet with an immediate, generous response. from Britain, the Dominions and America. Subscriptions will be received at the Midland Bank, Princes Street, London.” Sir William is suffering from bronchial trouble, and mostly is confined to his bed. At present he resides at Bath.