EARL BALDWIN

Manawatu Standard, Volume LVII, Issue 207, 2 August 1937, Page 2

EARL BALDWIN

A GREAT FIGURE. ROTARY CLUB ADDRESS. “Probably no man nas retired from the position of Prime Alinister held in higher esteem, not only by the British people but also by other nations of the world than has Mr Stanley Baldwin,” said Mr W. B. Tenneilt in an address to the Kotarv Club today on the great statesman who has now assumed the dignity ot Karl Baldwin. “This, man,” lie added, k *ol square and rugged build. keen but kindly • eye, square jaw showing noo only strength but humour in its setting, lias been described by manv as a typical John Bull, while by those who know hint better lie is a typical English gentleman.” Air Tennent went on to say that Earl Baldwin had risen to liis oresent, height not trom any quality of genius, but from genuine and outstanding diameter, in the shaping of which heredity had undoubtedly played a big part. The speaker reierred to the stock trom which the noted statesman had sprung, and to his education and eail.v connection with the big firm of Baldwins, Ltd., which had been conducted bv his father. From the time Earl (then Air) Baldwin entered this business for about 20 years there fund been no record of any political speech made by him, nor in any of the debating societies had he given promise of the career which he eventually followed with such distinction. He entered Parliament on the death, of his father in 1908 Avhen he was 41 years of age, and it was stated that in nine years he made only five speeches, his maiden speech being in a debate on the eight-hour day. Air Baldwin remained in obscurity and was unrecognised until Air Bonar Law, who was Chancellor of the Exchequor, took him as his private secretary in 1916; from then on his rise was meteoric. “After the war there occurred the famous incident of the letter to the London Time? in , which Air Baldwin announced his intention of donating a fifth of his fortune of £580.000 fo the. Government, went on Air Tennent, who read the letter in full. “How can the nation.” Air Baldwin had written, “be made to understand the gravity of the financial situation- —that love of country is better than love of money? This can , only he done by example, and the wealthy classes lrnve to-day an oppoitunity for service which can never reCl 'in 1921 Mr Baldwin reached Cabinet rank and in 1923, when Air Bonar Law resigned owing to ill-health, the King was left to choose between Lord Curzon and Mr Baldwin, resulting in the latter being selected for the high office of Prime Alinister. His career had been rather a chequered one; nevertheless, had he not resigned of his own accord Air Tennent felt sure he would have remained in office for many

years. The speaker referred at length to Air Baldwin’s policy both at home and abroad, stating that in his foreign policy he had undoubtedly made blunders. “But,” lie added, “despite these blunders what is it that has made Stanley Baldwin so much admired and respected? I think it can be summed /p by saying that the British people realised that" in him they had a man who regarded not his position, hut Britain and the British Constitution always had first place in all Ilia thoughts and deeds.” . Air Tennent spoke of Air statesmanlike handling the crisis over the abdication of King Edward VIII and to other phases of a wonderful life of public service. “No doubt historians will record criticism against some of the measures which lios Government sponsored,” he declared in conclusion, “but on one point they will agree—namely, that Stanley Baldwin stands supreme as a democrat, and as a man who sought office, not for 'its glory but for the service he could render. . . . England may yet yearn for another Baldwin ’■ Air A. A. Langley presided and welcomed as visitors .-Messrs E. Earwaker (Christchurch) and A. H. M. Wright (Wellington). A vote of tanks to Air Tennent was carried on the motion of Air J. Grant.