OVERSEAS NOTES

Dominion, Volume 23, Issue 268, 8 August 1930, Page 4

OVERSEAS NOTES

Members of the English Royal Family have many pleasant memories of the late Begum of Bhopal, for she was more than once hostess to them. She was a ruler of dignity and enlightenment, and a wonderful educative influence among her people. When the Prince of Wales was last in India the Begum gave abanquet in his honour, and, as she was strictly “purdah,” a somewhat embarrassing position was created, because it obviously was impossible for the hostess to dine with her guest. The difficulty was overcome by the Begum retiring during the meal, and returning afterward for the speech-making, when she addressed a delightful oration of welcome to the Prince. Even at Buckingham Palace, before the King, she remained “purdah.” • ' When the Duke and Duchess of Westminster take a summer holiday away from England in August and September a good deal of renovation and redecoration is to be done at Bourdon House, the Duke’s attractive Georgian residence in Mayfair (says an English writer). The house will be the scene of many parties next winter, according to present arrangements. The Duchess, whose modern bedroom in her parents’ wing of St. James's Palace, was a symphony in orange, flame colour, and silver, with a “fountain” of orange and silver tissue behind the bed, is planning some modern rooms in Bourdon House. The first woman in Australia to gain the L.A.B. ns an organist is Miss Elizabeth Campbell, of Armadale, who gave an organ recital in the Melbourne Town Hall at a reception held for Miss Amy Johnson, the famous girl flier. In 1927 Miss Campbell studied for a year at the Royal College of Music, London, and three days before sailing received news that she had been awarded an organ exhibition, giving her the right to special studies.

A busy time was experienced by Miss Alice Patterson, of Melbourne, during the time of Miss Amy Johnsonss visit there when she acted as secretary for the famous airwoman. To her was entrusted the responsibility of dealing with the thousands of letters sent to Miss Johnson. The musical ability of a flvc-year-old girl, Patricia Anne Simpson, of lowa, is attracting considerable attention in Ahierica. The daughter of a piano instructor. the little girl has already composed six pianoforte pieces, and can play exceedingly, well, although she has had no formal instruction from her father.

The Royal family’s plans for the late summer are not quite settled; but it is likely that the King will go to Goodwood without the Queen (says the “Queen”). The following week their Majesties will both attend the Cowes Regatta, aboard the royal yacht. As regards a Balmoral visit, this depends on the doctors’ decision. Everything, however, is being got ready for their Majesties at the castle. At Ascot the Queen wore a lovely dress of eggshell blue chiffon, softened in front by a quantity of needle-run lace. Her toque was of blue chiffon and silver tissue. and her jewels were aquamarines and diamonds. Princess Mary, looking more youthful than ever, wore a flowered chiffon frock in shades of blue, brown and pink, and a large brown straw hat with two pink roses at the side.