HIS MAJESTY AND THE ARCHITECT.
The architect the national memorial to Queen Victoria, Mr. Aston Webb, A.R.A., has (several times been received in audience by the King with reference to his share of the work, the last interview being a day or two before His Majesty left for Portugal. Mr. Webb has been much impressed with the quiet insistence of the King that every detail of the plans should b- explained to him, and at the readiness which he shows in grasping them. Among other proposals it was suggested that the road which now runs close to Buckingham Palace should be altered, and this was clearly marked out. The King, however, objected. " But," said Mr. Webb, " I think, sir, you would find it an improvement; it would take the thoroughfare further from the Palate, and give the Queen and yourself more privacy." "Yes," interrupted His Majesty, " but that is exactly what the Queen does not want. .She always breakfasts in the morning-room, which looks right over the road, and she likes to see all that goes on. So just leave matters as they are." On one occasion, while Mr. Webb was explaining particulars of the scheme to the King, he noticed that His Majesty's hand frequently went into his pocket and out again. At last, almost unconsciously, he took out a cigarette, but quickly put it back, with the remark, " No, I won't smoke ; I can wait until afterwards. I might drop the ashes on the plans and spoil them." Mr. Webb assured him that in that case it j would be quite easy to clean the plans; and the King lighted up, losing his restless- j ness as soon as he began to puff his coveted cigarette. . '
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New Zealand Herald, Volume XL, Issue 12272, 16 May 1903, Page 1 (Supplement)
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288HIS MAJESTY AND THE ARCHITECT. New Zealand Herald, Volume XL, Issue 12272, 16 May 1903, Page 1 (Supplement)
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