SIMPLE CEREMONY ATTENDS FUNERAL OF LORD OXFORD

Manawatu Times, Volume LIII, Issue 6540, 23 February 1928, Page 8

SIMPLE CEREMONY ATTENDS FUNERAL OF LORD OXFORD

Laid to Long Rest Near Soldier’s Grave COUNTRY CHURCHYARD AT SUTTON COURTNEY (British Official Wireless.) RUGBY, Fob. 20. -jfho remains of the Earl of Oxford and Asquith were interred to-day in the churchyard of Sutton Courtney, in Berkshire, with » ceremony as simple as has ever attended the funeral of a great statesman. Members of the family, personal friends and the humble servants of Ibo deceased gentleman were mourners, and the rest of the congregation consisted of people of the village in whoso midst the Earl of Oxford uad spent his days of leisure for many years. Personal friends included Sir James Barrie, Hon. Augustine Blrrell, Lord Beading and Lord Buckmaster . The many floral tributes which lay around the coffin, however, betokened vvide acknowledgement of the Earl of .Oxford’s public services. There were wreaths from the King Of the Belgians, from the Dominions overseas, from Liberal organisations and from former political adversaries, including Mr Baldwin, the Prime Minister. Lord Oxford was buried near a soldier, whoso grave was marked only by a wooden cross. The Bishop of Oxford conducted the service and hymns were sung by .the choir of New College, Oxford. Lord Oxford’s men servants carried the coffin to All Saints’ Church last evening. They were preceded by the village jehoir, the men bearing torches and were followed by Lady Oxford and four sons. After a simple service had been conducted the village people filed past the coffin, which was almost concealed by flowers, the wreaths stretching from the doorway to the altar. IMPRESSIVE IN SIMPLICITY. LONDON, Feb. 20. Lord Oxford’s burial in the Sutton Courtney churchyard was Impressive •jj- its simplicity, the late Earl’s wish lor no public display being fully reap ected. During the brief service conducted in the church by the Bishop of Oxford $lO coffin stood in front of the chancel, and. on the coffin was a wreath of red tulips from the Counless. The church seemed filled with flowtrs, those from Kings and Queens and foreign governments mixing with the humble tributes from the villagers. Around the graveside students the village schools formed a square Included were a score of schoolgirls, each holding a lily. After the service these floral emblems were dropped on the coffin.