SIR ERNEST WOODFORD BIRCH [To the Editor of the SPECTATOR.]
Sin,—The unexpected death from pneumonia of Sir Ernest Woodford Birch, a former British resident in Perak, and Chair-
man of the Overseas League, has• caused, deep sorrow to his friends—and they were very numerous. It is difficult to realize that he has passed on—more so, perhaps, than with most men. He was so vital, and despite his seventy-two years had many of the interests of a young man. His enthusiasm for " Rugger " and cricket were almost boyish, and if there were a good match to be seen he would try to be present, But Sir Ernest was much more than a mere sportsman. His affection for the British Empire was a passion, and he sought to advance its welfare' in every possible way. - For many years he served on the Council of the Overseas League, becoming chairman in 1921. He rarely missed a meeting and he took the deepest interest in its progress, and in its Empire and migration work. To the writer who was privi- leged to work with him for many years the loss of a friend with broad sympathies and wise judgment Is very real. I think he would have chosen an illness of two or -three days' duration. It would have been impossible to think of him as an invalid.
He had a genius for human relations, and all who worked with him were struck with the way in which he settled disputes and gave judgments when conflicting interests were involved in the work of the Overseas League. He was the type of a Colonial civil servant, whose absolute rectitude and fairness have done so much to enhance the reputation of the British
administration in Asiti.-7-I am, Sir, &c., U. W.
Previous page
