23 AUGUST 1935, Page 32

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THE LATE SIR BASIL BLACKETT.

I need scarcely say that the sad news of the tragic death of Sir Basil Blackett came quite as a shock to the City, where there was a very clear recognition of Sir Basil's exceptional abilities. The City has, in particular, a vivid recollection and appreciation of the great services which he rendered to British finance during the time that he was at the Treasury and also to India during the six years that he was Finance Member of the Executive Council of the Governor-General of India. Of recent years his activities had been centred upon financial undertakings and, at the time of his death, in addition to his position as a Director of the Bank of England, he was on the boards of a number of prominent undertakings. Both in. financial and business circles he will be missed by reason of his exceptional abilities, but he will also be missed and held in affectionate remembrance by a host of private friends who esteemed him for his many excellent personal