TITANIA’S PALACE

Evening Star, Issue 22343, 20 May 1936, Page 15

TITANIA’S PALACE

by “D I A N A M

FORMAL OPENING CEREMONY A quite unique function will take place this evening in the premises of Messrs Arthur Barnett Ltd., when at the invitation of Mr F. W. Mitchell (president of the Dunedin branch of the .New Zealand Crippled Children’s Society), Titania’s Palace will he formally opened by His Worship the Mayor. The guests invited for this evening’s ceremony are those who have been specially interested in the society.

Preparations. A peep into the millinery salon yesterday morning showed a scene of great activity, and gave promise of the great treat that will bo offered to the public to-morrow. The three ladies in charge, the Misses Leslie and Hills, of England, and M‘Killiam, of Australia, were literally “ up to their eyes,” for every tiny bit of equipment has to bo taken from its own specially numbered case, dusted or polished as tho case may be, and put into place, while the packing all has to be put away in order ready for the nest move. “ livery time we move,” said Miss Leslie, “ we have a real spring cleaning.” Only loving

hands ■ could undertake this task, for some of the treasures arc so tiny that they could easily be lost behind a blade of grass Miss Leslie in the brief time she could spare, told me that she has been travelling now for 10 years with the palace, in the United States, in Great Britain, South America, Australia, and now in New Zealand, and her next move is to be to Canada. Aliss Hills lias been six years and Miss M‘Killiam joined up in Australia 18 months ago. A Guide on the Staff. There is something very interesting to Guides about this last appointment, for Miss Wilkinson, the daughter of Sir Neville Wilkinson, who created this wonderful palace, is herself a commissioner in England, and was very anxious that a Guido should be on the staff if possible, hence this Australian girl, who was a “ Ranger ” in Sydney, and whose training is now standing her in good stead.. Children’s Tributes to the Palace. “ Tell me what the children think of your palace.” I said, and then Miss Leslie told mo that one of her most spontaneous tributes came from a very young New Zealand hoy, who gazed spell-bound for some minutes, and then just said, “Gosh, isn’t it a corker.” In contrast was the little girl who wa! so entranced that she said, “Mummy, it makes me want to cry.” Many gifts are brought by the children; in Perth a posy of the tiniest flowers imaginable was presented to the queen, and often a very treasured possession is just brought along. The Tiny Organ, In my own hurried visit yesterday 1 was specially interested in the lovely little organ, which really can be played. In fact, in 1934, a selection on it was broadcast from London, and was plainly heard in Australia. 1.080.000 Visitors. In Newcastle the Palace registered its millionth visitor, and since then over 80.000 have been added. Splendid Housing Conditions in Dunedin. The ladies are delighted with the wonderful space allotted to them by Mr Barnett, which will give the public such a splendid chance of viewing the exhibit. Come Early. i They asked me specially to suggest to my readers to come early, and in the morning if possible. They have found in other centres that towards the end of their visit the crowds have been so great that only a very cursory view can be obtained, and they are anxious that everyone should enjoy the beauty I of this tnilv wonderful Palace, I