HAIG MEMORIAL

Hokitika Guardian, 10 February 1928, Page 2

HAIG MEMORIAL

.Australian & N. 50. Cable Association.) LONDON. Feli: 8. In the (ominous. Mr Baldwin, proposed a resolution that the King he asked trt direct that a monument be erected to Ear! Haig’- memory at a public charge, with an inscription expressing the admiration ot the House for lii- illustrious career, and gratitude for.hi- illustrious services to the State, said the amount for such a monument varied from 21000 to 2700(1. it was too early yet to decide the ultimate place of any statesmen or soldier in the world war. but Earl Haig, bv common consent, was one ot the great figures. His country recognised in him what they value most in a man. steadfastnes sand absolute and complete integrity. A man to whom a mean thought or a mean act was impossible Loyal to everybody ill the army and. what was even more difficult, loyal to the civil governing power. His bumble spirit made itself felt throughout the British Army and was no small factor in the morale of these great forces.

•• He was one of the few men I would choose as worthy to be laid by Si.' Walter Scott. He was indeed a perfect gentleman aiid a knight. AN e now want a simple monument at which men of (lie British Legion c-aii lay their poppies, and showing it to tlieii children. say—“ There he is.’’ Air .MacDonald said that to some war wa- such a terrible calamity that a man associated with it tended to become a symbol of battle and bloodshed. "As a consequence we have viewed the names of great soldiers in a false iieispecTivc. in the hitter part of his life, Earl Haig revealed the whole- man to us. No ex-soldier or widow or orphan of a dead soldier failed to find a way to Earl Haig’s heart. He fought many battles—none more nobly than the last, on Muilt of suffering humanity. ’

Air MacDonald expressed regret at the Government's proposal asking the form of a marble memorial instead ot honouring Earl Haig by caring for cxserviccrs. whom Earl Haig cared for. He moved as an amendment that a select- committee inquire into the best method of honouring Earl Haig’s memory. After Sir R. Hutchison, on be-hall ol the Liberals, and Major J. IL Cohen, the legless member for I'airfield Division of Liverpool, had spoken. Air J. H. Thomas urged that there should he no division on the amendment as it should he misunderstood in the country. Ah- MacDonald's amendment, bowel or. was rejected by 220 to 103. and Air Baldwin’s resolution agreed to.