“GOD’S CHIVALRY”

Waikato Times, Volume 126, Issue 21037, 13 February 1940, Page 6

“GOD’S CHIVALRY”

TRIBUTES TO DEAD STATESMAN WORLD-WIDE POPULARITY (Omnal v.xrciess) (Received Feb. 13. 3.15 p.m.) RUGBY, Feb. 12 Lord Tweedsmuir’s untimely death is deeply deplored on both sides of the Atlantic, and in Canada. The leaders of the great political parties, who now, are in the midst of the campaign for the general election, took part in a nationwide broadcast of tribute to the late Governor-Gen-eral Commenting on the esteem in which Lord Tweedsmuir was held, the Daily Telegraph says: “It was a popularity which overflowed the Canadian frontiers and extended widely in the United States. Undoubtedly it was not without its influence in quickening Canada’s rally to the Empire cause when the war broke out last September. It is not forgotten now. In addressing an audience of women in Toronto last October Lord Tweedsmuir said: “Let us remember that in this fight we are God's chivalry/'

DISTINGUISHED CAREER

WRITER AND STATESMAN Best know n as John Buchan, author of a score of romances, Lord Tweedsmuir was also politician* scholar,

historian, biographer, war correspondent, man of business and finally for five years Governor-General of Canada.

John Buchan was born in a Scottish manse in 1875. Before the age of 25 he had seven books to his credit, including “Scholar Gipsies,” published when he was only 20.

In 1901 he was called to the Bar and became private secretary to Lord Milner on the eve of the latter’s departure to South Africa as High Commissioner. When he returned to England he became associated with the publishing firm of Thomas Nelson and Sons, of which he was eventually the executive head. A long succession of novels came from his pen.

When the Great War broke out John Buchan was for a time a war correspondent in France, but before long was attached to the general headquarters staff with the rank of lieutenant-colonel. In 1917 he was recalled to fill the post of Director of Information under the Prime Minister. As soon as possible after hostilities ended he set to work on a history of the war, and completed it in more than 30 small volumes. Entering politics in 1927 as Conservative member for Scottish Universities, he was made a Companion of Honour in 1932 and in the following year Lord High Commissioner to the General Assembly of the Church of Scotland. While still a member of Parliament, he was appointed GovernorGeneral of Canada. The choice of a commoner for such a high office was without precedent, but it was hailed with satisfaction in all quarters. Before taking up the appointment he was raised to the peerage and awarded the G.C.M.G.

As Governor-General, Lord Tweedsmuir gained the high esteem of all Canadians.

Best-known Books

Among the best-known of Lord Tweedsmuir’s books are “The Thirtynine Steps” (afterwards made into a very successful film), “Huntingtower,” “Greenmantle,” “The Watcher on the Threshold,*’ and “The Dancing Floor.” He also published “Poems, Scots and English.” He married in 1907 Miss Susan Charlotte Grosvenor, and is survived by three sons and a daughter. The heir to the barony, Lieutenant John Buchan, deceased’s eldest son, arrived in England recently with the first contingent of Canadian troops.

DOMINION’S SYMPATHY

(By Telegraph.—Press Association) WELLINGTON. Monday New Zealand’s condolences with Canada in the death of her Gov-ernor-General were expressed in the following cablegram sent to-day by the Prime Minister, Mr Savage, to the Prime Minister of Canada, Mr Mackenzie King:— “On behalf of the Government and people of New Zealand I desire to express our deep regret on the passing of Lord Tweedsmuir, whose services to Canada and the British Commonwealth will not be forgotten. Please also convey our most, sincere sympathy to Lord Tweedsmuir’s relative*."