Beaverbrook, Lord

THE INDUCTION ADDRESS BY THE HON. JOHN B. MCNAIR

Your Honour, Ladies and Gentlemen:

It is a great, and esteemed, privilege to take part in this day’s ceremonies which will stand as a milestone in the history of our University.

That history goes back to the very foundation of our province. As early as the year 1785 the Loyalists had obtained authority for the establishment of an Academy of Liberal Arts and Sciences on a site near the present Christ Church Cathedral in Fredericton, then known as Fredericsburg. It was succeeded in 1800 by the College of New Brunswick, which in 1829 gave way to King’s College, Fredericton.

The latter was formally opened, on the present campus, by Sir Howard Douglas, the Governor of the Province, on New Year’s Day 1929. His words of mixed prophecy and hope are worth recalling:

"Firm may this institution ever stand and flourish, – firm in the liberal constitution and Royal foundation on which I have this day instituted it, – enlarging and extending its material form and all its capacity to do good, to meet the increasing demands of a rising, prosperous and intellectual people! And may it soon acquire and ever maintain a high and distinguished reputation as a place of general learning and useful knowledge."

In 1859 the name of King’s College was changed to "The University of New Brunswick". Under able direction and leadership, it has served worthily to train and equip succeeding generations of New Brunswick youth. The passing years brought many changes, spelling progress according to the needs and aspirations of the times.

Today the University stands on the threshold of a new era of expansion. Its fortunes never appeared brighter. All will agree that no one is better fitted to lead it, in this eventful period, than our present President, Dr. Gregg. He has brought to his post a wealth of administrative experience, wise judgment, keen sagacity and a warm and vibrant personality. He also brought into the University community a charming and able helpmate.

Much might be said of the work and generosity of many—teachers, graduates and friends—whose interest and support have made possible the great record of our University. It is my purpose to mention only one. I refer to the Rt. Hon. Lord Beaverbrook whom we are privileged today to inaugurate to his new post as Chancellor, then known as Max Aitken, attended the public schools of the Town. Like others born in modest circumstances, who have achieved greatness, he sold newspapers after school hours. In due tie he entered the Law School at Saint John, now part of U.N.B. He became associated in Chatham with the law firm of Tweedie and Bennett, the members of which, L.J. Tweedie and R.B. Bennett, later attained high positions in the public life of this Province and the Dominion.

When, about the turn of the century, Mr. Bennett moved to Calgary to embark upon his great national career in law and politics, his young law clerk went with him.

Soon, however, he was back in the Maritimes. Locating at Halifax he directed his interest and energy into the field of business. At the age of twenty-five his spectacular career had begun. He was on the road to success, although no one would have then predicted where the road was to lead.

As an early venture he negotiated the amalgamation of the old Bank of Windsor with the Union Bank of Halifax. This was a somewhat local affair. His activities and interests widened. He undertook and carried through many of the large business ventures of that period of Canadian expansion. The climb was rapid. At the age of thirty, when most men are feeling their way, Max Aitken stood foremost in the ranks of Canada’s captains of commerce and finance.

In 1906 he had married Miss Alice Drury of Halifax, a lady of great beauty, grace and charm. Her fine qualities and gifts fitted her to play, with him, an ever expanding role in the strenuous years that lay ahead. This campus is adorned by two magnificent buildings bearing her name.

It was in 1909 that Max Aitken, then thirty years of age, appeared in Britain. His arrival meant an immediate renewal of a former friendship with another son of New Brunswick, Bonar Law, who was shortly to achieve preeminence in British public life.

At that time Imperial Preference was a major issue in British politics. It was a policy, empire wide in its scope, which had for the young Canadian an intriguing and dominant appeal. Although untried in public life, Mr. Aitken had very definite convictions, on this and other matters, a characteristic he has always displayed. He became a candidate in the dubious constituency of Ashton-under-Lyne; and in the general election of 1910 his dynamic and magnetic personality, coupled with his views on tariff and social reform, won him the seat and entrance to Westminister.

Mr. Law, the tried politician, was not as successful in that campaign. Such are the vagaries of politics. However, a seat was readily found for him. From then on his rise was rapid. Due in large measure to the efforts of his friend of boyhood days, he became leader of the great Conservative Party and Prime Minister of Britain.

The vitality, force of character and resourcefulness of Sir Max Aitken, as he was now known, were used without reserve to stir Britain to a fuller and more aggressive prosecution of the First World War. He played a major part in bringing about the mobilization of that Nation’s physical and human resources to the level which, a quarter of a century later, came to be known as "total war". A great force behind the scenes, he lent his powers to dispel personal jealousies, allay rivalries and counter intrigue in high places. He sensed acutely the need of unity and moved steadily forward to bring about the Coalition Government of 1917.

Meantime high honours had come to him. Created a Knight in 1911 and Baronet in 1916, he was honoured in 1918 by a grateful Nation when His Majesty conferred upon him the title of Baron Beaverbrook, a name which carries a strong New Brunswick accent.

During the strenuous activities and trying experiences of those days he never lost touch with his native Canada. As side issues to his real war effort in job in itself, – special correspondent with the Canadian Expeditionary Force, representative of the Canadian Government at the Front and Officer in Charge of Canadian War Records. It was due primarily to his efforts that the wealth of material, dealing with Canada’s contribution in the First World War, was assembled and preserved.

In addition he was the promoter and trustee of the Imperial War Museum. At the end of the war, still under the age of 40, he stood out as a shining example of achievement and success.

With the return of peace Lord Beaverbrook turned his energies into new channels-journalism. With characteristic enthusiasm and daring he built the chain of newspapers through which he has continued to sponsor many great public movements, including strong Imperial Relations.

I come now to his record in the war just ended. Such is well within the memory of the young men and women graduating here this afternoon. Amid the confusion and frustration of those dark days of 1940 Mr. Churchill became Prime Minister. With shrewd foresight, he unhesitatingly placed Lord Beaverbrook in charge of the job of creating the air weapons which were so necessary to save from destruction Britain, The Empire and Christian Civilization. Who can doubt that Mr. Churchill again recalled his comment of 1910 about the successful young candidate in Ashton-under-Lyne:

"I am so glad to see a new star in our skies."

As Minister of Aircraft Production, Lord Beaverbrook was faced with an Herculean task. It was his responsibility to furnish the tools for the Airmen of the Empire, the noble galaxy of youth, whose representatives in the Battle of Britain won from Mr. Churchill the historic tribute:

"Never in the field of human conflict was so much owed by so many to so few."

We all know the story of Lord Beaverbrook’s success in the task assigned him. The production of aircraft under his direction was a decisive factor in the outcome of the war. None can appreciate more fully his contribution to the war effort than those who rode the skies to victory in the Hurricanes and Spitfires his genius produced.

Of Lord Beaverbrook himself these lines might have been written:

"He moved with Kings but kept the human touch."

He will be remembered by this University, and the Province, as a great and generous friend. He will be recorded in history as a daring and courageous figure, whose contribution to the cause of Civilization in the recent struggle of the Free Nations for freedom and human security is beyond measure.

My friends, you will realize the meaning of my opening words whereby I acknowledged the great honour that is mine in taking part in these proceedings.

It is now my privilege to present the man of whom I have been speaking for induction to the office of Chancellor of this University.

Rt. Hon. Lord Beaverbrook:

(Lord Beaverbrook rises and comes to the Lectern. The Lieutenant-Governor and audience rise).

My Lord, on behalf of the Senate of the University, and the Province, it is my privilege to report your appointment as Chancellor of The University of New Brunswick to his Honour, the Lieutenant-Governor of the Province, Visitor on behalf of his Majesty.

(Premier faces Lieutenant-Governor with Chancellor).

Your Honour, the Senate of the University, some months ago, intimated a desire that the position of Chancellor be created, and that the Rt. Hon. Lord Beaverbrook be invited to accept that office.

The necessary legislation has been enacted: His Lordship has agreed to such appointment. The required Orders-in-Council have been passed.

Your Honour, as His Majesty’s representative, do you approve that the Rt. Hon. Lord Beaverbrook take his place as Chancellor of the University?

(The Lieutenant-Governor replies,—"I do." The Chancellor takes his place on the right of the Lieutenant-Governor. All take their seats).