LATE LORD OXFORD

Hokitika Guardian, 17 February 1928, Page 2

LATE LORD OXFORD

(Australian & N.Z. Cable Association.) LONDON, Feb. 15. The Westminster Abbey authorities offered a burial but in accordance with Lord Oxford’s expressed wish, the burial will be private. A memorial service will be belli in the Abbey on February 21st. Among the condolences are messages from the King of Belgium, French President and Al. Briand and the Canadian Premier. At. Hymans, the Belgian Foreign Minister, is instructing the Ambassador in London to represent the King and Government at the funeral, and to lav a wreath. He says: “Belgium will never forget Lord Oxford’s loyalty in defending Belgium’s independence.” He also sent a message to the widow: “His loyalty of character and immutable determination in 1914 make him one of the noblest figures in contemporary history.” OKRA-TAN PRESS COAIAIENT BERLIN. Feb. 15. The newspapers mostly stress Lord Oxford’s career as a Parliamentarian, scholar and domestic statesman. Some which allude to the part he played in the war blame- him for causing the wav, and desiring to destroy the German Empire. LORD OXFORD’S PRECISE STATKAIENT. LONDON. Fob. 15. The public is taken aback at the decision that Lord Oxford is not to lie buried at Westminster. Tt is also understood that Lady Oxford, and other mouthers of the family are deeply disappointed, luit Lord Oxford lelt a precise written statement that the funeral should l»e private, which was only known to-day. AA’hen the Dean, upon the Government’s suggestion, proposed an Ahhev funeral in recognition of the ex-Prinie Minister’s leadership in the groat crisis of national history. Sir Maurice Bonliani-Cartor. Lord Oxford’s son-in-law, went to Sutton Courtney to consult the family, who decided that Lord Oxford's wishes must he carried out. The body will lie in state for two days in All Saints Church, Sutton Courtney, where for many years Lord Oxford read the lessons on Sunday evenings. The place of burial is not yet decided. The final moments of Lord Oxford’s life were full of dramatic intensity. Lady Oxford, Sir Maurice and Lady Bonham-Cai-ter. Princess Bihcsc-o and Air Anthony Asquith were grouped around the bedside, eagerly watching for even the faintest whisper from the dying statesman, hut in vain. Lord Oxford slipped out of life silently and gently, with that dignity which lie had displayed throughout his whole life. His heir is his grandson, Viscount Julian Asquith son of Raymond Asquith, who was killed near Amiens in 191(5. the year the hoy was uorn. THE NEW EARL. LONDON. Fob. 15. The new Earl of Oxford, an eleven year old schoolboy, is descended on his mother’s side irum “Little Jack Horner.” of the nursery rhyme. He eventually inherits Alells .Manor, Somerset., where according lo legend, the pic incident happened. IT is mother is converted to Roman Catholicismiaiul the new peer is being educated at Catholic schools. There arc now thirty minors in the Peerage, their ages ranging from lour to sixteen years. THE KING'S CONDOLENCES LONDON. Feb. 15. The Speaker, the Rt. Hon J. H. AYhilelcy. presiding at a dinner to AH Amory. said the first thoughts and words of Commoners must refer to the loss of Lord Asquith. AV'hen the history of our time came to he written, Lord Asquith would he classed as one of our greatest men. It was unforgettable how he represented Britain in the dark days of 1914. It was no small factor in the ultimate victory of the Allies. Air Thomas, who joined in the tribute, said Lord Asquith was the ix’rsonification of the term English gentleman. Air Amerv associated himself with the previous speakers. The King sent a message to LadyOxford : “The Queen and myself hasten to assure you of our grief in the death of your beloved husband. To us both lie was an old and dear friend; to me a faithful and wise counsellor. Your sorrow will be shared by the country to whose service Lord Oxford’s preeminent powers were unsparingly and devotedly given.”