SIR RODERICK MEIKLEJOHN

Sir Roderick Sinclair lMeiklejohn. K.B.E.. C.B., died at his London home on Thursday at the age of 85. The eldest of the three sons of John William Meiklejohn. M.D. (all of whom distinguished themselves in some way), he was born on May 30, 1876. He was educated at St. Paul's School and obtained a scholarship at Hertford College. Oxford. He entered the War Office in 1899 and was transferred to the Treasury in 1902. He was private secretary to Sir E. Hamilton from 1903 to 1904, to the Duke of Devonshire 1904 to 1905, and to Mr. Asquith from 1905 to 1911. and was ideal in this capacity. He was First Civil Service Commissioner from 1928 to 1939.

Meiklejohn was well known in general society. Above middle height with a spare figure he had a remarkable head. which combined a suggestion both of Julius Caesar and John Stuart Mill. His shyness could not conceal his real benevolence or his enthusiasm for books, animals, and young People. Intellectually he was a fine classical scholar and lover of Letters.

A dutiful son, he lived with his Parents in Kensington until their deaths. His father survived to a verv advanced age and died after a long illness. Meiklejohn then moved to Half Moon Street and had rooms at Miss Burton's in the house which bis friend Robert Ross had left her. Here developed his Monday evening gatherings when he mingled with his contemporary and younger friends who were making their way in literature and the arts.

His appointment as First Civil Commissioner in 1928 was particularly happy. In this capacity he was chairman of the board before which candidates for Civil and other services come up. and his sympathy with the young led him to overcome his own shyness and to put them at their ease in a remarkable mannet.