Personalities.

Alexandra Herald and Central Otago Gazette, Issue 428, 21 July 1904, Page 7

Personalities.

THF- DUKE OF NOEFOLK, KG,

JEKKHE Duke is Premier Dafie and Earl Jtl'lg Marshal of England, head of the Catholic world in th*t country, and verj wealthy. - Bj those who know hie Grace intimately, he is looked upon as the staunchest and -most reliable of friends; whilst those who come into ordinary contact with him in everyday life' regard him as the moat genial of companions, most generous of donors, and-most unpretending of men. Although devoted to the religion of his fathers, the duke is a very broad-minded man, and invariably considerate and courteous to his neighbours and tenants of another faith to his own. There never wag a man, perhaps, who cared k bo little for outward fhow and dress; indeed, so indifferent is he to the things which are generally observed by men of his rank and dignity that he might go almost Anywhere and never be recognised as a duke I His Privileges and Bi«hts. By reason of his high position in the land, the Duke has many privileges' which may not be generally known by the world at large. ... As Earl Marshal, his Grac9 has entire control over all the arrangements in Westminster Abbey at the time of a coronation or other public ceremony, and he has to announce all regulations as to detail in connection with the same. He c&n also claim if he so wishes, by virtue of this office, the right to aa escort of cavalry on any special occasion. The Dake of Norfolk is also by biith Hereditary Chief Butler of En land, and at » coronation he is entitle to receive a drinking"-cup of pare gold. AbTJKDK v'ASTIiB '".' The heir of all the Howards owns, perhaps, the moßt historical home in England. Arundel Castle, which was built in the days of Alfred the Great, wss one of that monarch's favourite places of residence. Within its grey stone wails are priceless treasures and relics of nearly all the people who have helped to make and mar the history of England for the last ten centuries. In the great library, hung with valuable masterpieces in the way of piotures and tapestry, is preserved the handkerchief of the Duke of Norfolk who west to the scaffold for befriending Mary Qaeen of Soots, and near it iB a orncifix which was once the dearest possession of that same beautiful but unhappy woman. Another cabinet contains a slipper worn by Qaeen Elizabeth, which she left behind on one of her visits to her ill-fated kinswoman. A corßelet worn by Joan o! Arc, and a dagger drawn from Eizzlo'e breast, are among other treasures in the Duke's s»fe keeping. A Kkkpbakh, One of the most valued personal possessions of the Dake is a little silver crucifix, to whioh a quaint story is attached.

When a small boy of twelve, his Grace, who'had just euoceeded to the title, visited Rome, and the Pope, Pius 11, took a great fancy to the manly, unaffected little fellow, and the two epsedily became friends.

They talked for about an hoar; then when it was nearly time for the visitor to go, the Pope said: ' How, tell me what you like best f

the little.fellow answered: 'Oh, show me yoar bedroom, Holy Father! They say no one,may go in there/ .■•.:•-"■ The next moment the attendant at.the door was astonished to see the Supreme Pontiff emerge with a small boy on his shoulders and proceed at a trot down the pasiage. The Pope opened hie bedroom dcor, set the boy down, and, taking a crucifix from the wall—-hia own special one, which hong over his bod—he gave it to the delighted little Bake, Baying, aa he patted his head : .

' Take this, my boy, as a keepsake from me.'