ROYAL PALACE ECONOMIES

Manawatu Times, Volume 61, Issue 194, 18 August 1936, Page 4

ROYAL PALACE ECONOMIES

NO TIME FOR “SLACKERS.”

LONDON, June 6.

By voluntarily deciding not to draw his , Civil List alio ance of £l*lo,ooo for his Privy purse while in enjoyment of his revenues from the Duchy of Cornwall, the King has saved the Treasury £156,000 a year. Nor is he keeping all the income from the Duchy estates for himself. His brother, the Duke ot York, it is understood, will receive a large share of them, thus saving the country an additional sum to which just claim could be laid.

Naturally, a bachelor King, his Majesty will not have the expenses of his late father, who was anything but a rich man, as rich men are gauged on this side of the world. Moreover, he is finding out for himself exactly where his money goes. He is making it his business to examine all details of expenditure, and in several cases, ho has been quick to suggest economies. This is not only Decause his income is smaller than that to which he is actually entitled, but because, with- his strict sense of duty, he realises that any economy to the country in the present condition of affairs is worth while.

CHECK ON EXPENSES.

The King has accordingly Instructed the officers of his household that costs must be kept down whereever possible (where It can be done without hardship), and that a close watch must be maintained to see that value is received for money spent. Having a confirmed dislike of ostentation, he intends to reduce his stafl at Buckingham Palace, and, in this connection, it can now be said that when Queen Mary takes up her residence at Marlborough House the places of the ser arts who go with her will not be filled.

Some idea of what is taking place in tho Royal circle is conveyed by a report in tho Star this week. This paper states tha his Majesty is not above discovering for himself what his servants are doing. Thus the gardeners and grooms at Windsoi Castle and Buckingham Palace ars no longer surprised when they heal his quiet vok- inquiring: “And what do you < here?” But, in addition to an interest in his finances, King Edward is also determined to “get acquainted” wit! his employees. He wishes to reward keenness and to get rid of the slackers. He can accomplish this only bj finding out what is happening, and which man is responsible for whicl job.