CUTTING THE COST

Evening Post, Volume CXXVII, Issue 17, 21 January 1939, Page 12

CUTTING THE COST

DUKE OF KENT'S WISH

VICEREGAL RESIDENCES

(From '.'Tha Post's" Representative.)

SYDNEY, January 13. The appointment of the Duke of Kent as Governor-General of Australia will not involve heavy expenditure. The Duke and Duchess have expressed the wish that expenditure which might arise from the appointment of a member of the Royal Family shall be cut to a minimum.

Canberra reports state that during informal discussions with Australia House officials thi Duke suggested that heavy expenditure on buildings which would not be used much after his departure was not desirable. This desire, supplemented by the British Government's opinion, has influenced the Federal Government to cancel many plans. ' Projects eliminated include the building of a ballroom at Government House, Canberra, and the provision of q special residence in Melbourne. The Minister of Works (Mr. Thorby) is now considering extensions to the reception and dining rooms at Canberra. Bedroom accommodation will be increased and a nursery will be-provided for. the son and daughter of the Duke and Duchess, Prince Edward and Princess Alexandra. In Victoria the Duke and Duchess will have the use of the State Government House. It is expected that this will be arranged with the Governor-elect of Victoria, Sir Winston Dugan. The opportunity to prune contemplated expenditure is welcomed by the Government, which is curtailing all estimates except defence expenditure.