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Evening Post, Volume CXX, Issue 142, 12 December 1935, Page 27

old, who is master of the Quorn. It is their personal wish that their visil shall.be regarded as purely private. THE WEDDING GIFTS. For the well-classified and beautiful-\l.y-arranged display of wedding pre sents. which is still drawing the public daily, Sir Cecil Harcourt-Smith. surveyor of the Royal Works of Art. made himself responsible. During the first four days 10,000 people passed through the six galleries at St. James's Palace (the Throne Room and State Apartments), and it is hoped that, in the cause of charity, many more will avail themselves of the opportunity of seeing the exquisite arid the many simple gifts, all arranged with consummate taste. The number of gifts made to the Duke of Kent was about 1200. It says much for the loyalty and affection in which the Royal Family are held that those in the present exhibition already exceed that number. The standard of taste displayed in their selection is well maintained, and there are many items of quite exceptional quality and importance. Sir Cecil. Harcourt-Smith. in a special article.in.the "Daily Telegraph," states that the Royal Family has always been foremdst in sympathy for the poor and afflicted. Not the least interesting gifts are those which have come from institutions which have these under their care. From the Royal National Orthopaedic Hospital at Stanmore came a pathetic little deputation of partly-crippled children, bringing gifts to the Duke of Gloucester "from his girl patients" and "from his boy patients." From the East London Home and School for Blind Children are two wicker baskets made by the pupils, with a dedicatory inscription in Braille: and from the Heritage Craft School at Chailey a dress-case, a model of a galleon, and a silver-mounted ivory paper-knife made by a bod-ridden boy in the school —in sending it he "hopes that you will find a place for it upon your writingtable and use it daily." All sorts and conditions have had their share in the manifestation of loyalty and affection. Granny McEwan. a venerable Scottish lady of 95. knitted a pair of socks "with-.' good wishes knitted in with the wool": while the women of Ulster, organised by the Duchess of Abercorn. sent a supply of beautiful household linen, provided by subscriptions ranging from one penny upwards. One of the most interesting gifts has been one of the latest to arrive. It has a peculiar appropriateness in connection with the claim to Royal kinsmanship of the bride's family. This is the original warrant of King Charles 11, dated 1667, giving "Our Deare Sonne James Duke of Munmouth and Bucclugh" Csic) the right to bear and use "Our Royal Arms—and over all an Escoutcheon of the Arms of the Noble Family of Scot." This is the gift of Mr. A. E. CressalL Master of the Gardeners' Company.ORIGIN OF ST. JAMES'S. The State Apartments of St. James's Palace are (says Sir Cecil) too little known to the public; and yet the Palace is one of the most important historical buildings in London. Before the site was acquired by Henry VIII it had been for centuries occupied by a hospital for leprous women. When one realises the stir and bustle of St. James's today, it is remarkable that it was "discreetly chosen, as it was as dreary and lonely as could be desired for the isolation of its inmates." The hospital, or lazar-house. was founded in honour of St. James the Less, and the name of the saint has consequently survived in that of the district. It is a curious reflection that the proud title which is known all over the world. "The Court of St. James's." owes its name to so humble an origin, In 1530 Henry .VIII built "a magnifl-

the stone portico, and lighted a cigar-1 ette. The St. John Ambulance Brigade had 27 aid stations and two special dressing stations on the routes along which the bride and bridegroom passed. ■ All day 1000 officers, men, and nurses and 30 surgeons were on duty and 30 motor-ambulances were ready to deal with cases of emergency. About 126 men, women, and children were treated for exhaustion. The staff and commissioners, Scoutmasters, and Boy Scouts of Norfolk have presented a gold-mounted hunting crop to their patron, the Duke of Gloucester. Subscriptions were limited to a penny each. THE NEW HOME. When the Duke of Gloucester takes up. his new appointment at the Staff College, Camberley, on December 1, he will be installed in the Royal Pavilion, Aldershot. This is a picturesque house of wood. It was built for Queen Victoria, and was first occupied by her during the summer of 1857. The Duke and Duchess made a thorough inspection of the Pavilion together, and she appeared delighted with it. As they went through the rooms she made suggestions for the colour schemes of the curtains and carpets. To add to the comfort of the building central heating is being installed, and other alterations are in progress. Beside State departments there are 15 bedrooms and many reception rooms. In the dining-room hang pictures of members of the Royal Family. The Prince of Wales has given the bride a specially-built, streamlined sports car of a well-known make. The Prince gave particular instructions regarding its construction and the in(elusion of extra features.