SCOTS AND THE “STONE OF DESTINY.”

Hokitika Guardian, 2 September 1924, Page 3

SCOTS AND THE “STONE OF DESTINY.”

M.P.s DIP INTO ANCIENT LEGENDS. LONDON, July IG. Mr Kirkwood (Stic., Dumbarton) introduced a Bill to sanction the removal to Holvrood Palace ot the Scottish Stone of Destiny, which now reposes beneath the scat of the Coronation chair on which British Sovereigns are crowned in Westminster Abbey. The Bill was read a first time to-day by 201 votes to 171.

Tradition says that this is the stone that Jacob ust'd for a pillow on the hill of Bethel, Mr Kirkwood told the House. It was taken by Jacob’s family into Egypt, and thence it went to Ireland. “That is according to tradition," he continued, “and I don’t know whether it is true. But what I do know." lie added dryly, “is that the stone is Scottish sandstone’. (I.a tighter.) For 500 years it remained at Scone, until Edward I of England, “the Hammer of the Scots,” was brought m to act as arbitrator betwixt Bruce ami Balli.il. He took the evidence with l,i„, to England, along with tins stone. (Laughter.) "He considered when he took that stone front Scotland over the border.’ continued Mr Kirkwood in bis broad accent, “that be bad conquered Scotland— -'English laughter and cheers)— that lie bad hammered the nationhood out of our country, which bo never did (laughter)—because T stand here representing an unconquered race. (Cheers.)

With great relish lie recalled the Battle of Bannockburn, when the English sued for peace, and said that by the Treaty of Northampton in 1328 the stone was to lie returned to Scotland. The treaty was not kept Ivecaiise it was said the sentiment of the citizens of London was against the return of the stone. “(Hear, hear. ) EYES AT ODINS WIFE. Lord Apslev <C.. Southampton), opposing the Biil. supplemented Mr Ktrkwood’s history with mythology recalling a legend that Odin threw the stone at another deity whom he accused of making eyes at his wife, and it Ml among the Scots. (Laughter.) Mwtrd I brought the stone to England as the onlv tangible security for reparations. ‘ (Laughter.) Confessing „ superstitious findings, he recalled that there was tut old Latin couplet "going in connection with the stone which he construed as follows: Unless the fates are faithless tound Atul visions merely dream. Where’er this stone be on the grounc

The Scots shall reign supreme. ••1 should hate to deprive this counirv of the valuable services of its ScottiVh Ministers." be concluded.