A DUKE'S BETROTHAL,

New Zealand Herald, Volume XXXIX, Issue 11854, 4 January 1902, Page 2 (Supplement)

A DUKE'S BETROTHAL,

The Dlike of Hamilton, whose engagement t:> Miss Nina Poore is announced,: has long been looked upon as a confirmed bachelor. He has not yet completed his fortieth year, , but he is a good deal of an invalid,! and is not by any means a society man;' although a first favourite among those who know him really well. He is the premier peer of Scotland; his bride will, therefore, occupy .an enviable position at the"'coronation. '.When the duke came to Hamilton six years ago he was accompanied by, his three capable, cheerful sisters, who ; rapidly made themselves popular, and the silent old palace a lively, resort. All three,' however, speedily married, Lady Helena becoming the wife of the Rev. Robert Fuller-Acland Hood, Lady Isobel of Captain Cyril Ryder,- and Lady Flora of Major Robert Poore, whoSe younger sister is the future Duchess of Hamilton. : :' Miss Poore is no less pretty and charming than her sisters, Lady Wilson and Lady Polly, and Lanarkshire will warmly .': welcome her. Unfortunately, ! the ducal income is by no : means ■ large in proportion to the demands made upon it, and Hamilton Palace, with its fine grounds, spacious rooms, regal picture gallery, and black marble staircase, is unlikely to assume much of the glory of former days, even under a new chatelaine. The twelfth duke left his: immense fortune and possessions to his daughter, Lady Mary Douglas Hamilton, now ■■: in her /eighteenth' year. : The Duke of Hamilton, as Hereditary •Keeper;of; Holyrood. has' a suite; of '■ apartments ;in -the ancient >palace of • the ■ Scots', kings, but, so far, he has shown no disposition to use them. He is also a duke in ; the peerage of France, ; and - a claimant ; ie' fcha extinct earldom of Selkirk.—