LORD HUNTLY’S MEMORIES.

Hokitika Guardian, 2 July 1926, Page 1

LORD HUNTLY’S MEMORIES.

LONDON, -May 20. These reminiscences cover a very long and interesting period, for the Marquis of Huntly, who was born in 1847, remembers his grandfather, who was born 165 years ago. Here are some of liis impressions of great Parliamentary figures: " When Gladstone had been thundering philippics against tbe unspeakable Turk, Disraeli had sat impressive and unmoved. Then when the latter rose, ho began, 1 AYe have listened, sir, to the right honourable gentleman’s impassioned address, accompanied with somewhat violent and aggressive gestures, which caused me to congratulate myself that there was a good piece of furniture between us.’

“The most successful speakers arc lot those who wave their arms with terfervid declamation. Parnell, who lever moved from an erect attitude, md spoke in measured sentences, with i cynical manner was very effective. Dilkc, on the other hand, in speeches •rammed full of knowledge, was too ,-erbose and seemed to tire the House,

“Joseph Chamberlain, in his clearcut tones, with a penetrating and incisive voice, his right arm moving slowly to point or emphasise a remark, was one of the most delightful speakers to listen to. Sir William Hareourt was fluent and bombastic.”

THE ALBERT AIEAIORIAL, It was Lord Huntly’s task to give a report to Queen Victoria of the opening of the Albert Memorial in 1872: << She asked me, ‘ What do you think of the memorial ?’ Personally I did not like it. . . . I am afraid, therefore, my reply to the Queen’s question was rather weak and that I damned the memorial ‘ with faint praise.’

“ She perceived this, and followed her inquiry by saying, ‘Do you admire it? ’ T said everything 1 could think of in approval of the artistic merits of the several portions and especially of the sculptures. “Her Alajesty said drily, ‘The best artists procurable were employed on it