LABOUR AT THE PALACE.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXI, Issue 18678, 7 April 1924, Page 7

LABOUR AT THE PALACE.

HOUSEHOLD APPOINTMENTS. KINDLINESS OF THE KING [raou otrat OWN correspondent.] LONDON, Feb. 14. Those Labour members chosen to fill the Royal Household appointments seem to have been impressed with their first interview with His Majesty the King. Mr. Tom Griffiths, who becomes Treasurer of the Household, has given an account of their reception at the Palace. The other 1 two officials aro Mr. J. A. Parkinson (Comptroller of the Household) and Mr. J, E. Daviscn (Vice-Chamberlain).

14 Before we had audience of the King," said Mr. Griffiths, "Lord Stamfordham

had a preliminary talk with us, and especially on the question of the dress -we should wear at Court. He told us that it was the King's desire we should wear the full levee dress—the black velvet coat with steel buttons, knee breeches, ' silk stockings, buckled shoes, sword, and cocked hats— expressed the hope ' that we should fulfil in the fullest detail the responsibilities and obligations of our Household !. offices. We explained that ■while the concessions to other Ministers would bo appreciated, we should be ready t j maintain the traditions governing our ow.i offices. What a delightful half-hour we spent with the King! He gave me a real good British handshake, and desired that we should talk freely and without restraint. We - all made mend's at once, and he gave us lucid instructions about our duties, not without a touch of humour. The King, too, told us that . Court dress would be required for our duties. ' But it will all come naturally to you,* added •His Majesty, v ' and you will soon be as much at home here as in any other function.'

He hoped -we would attend all the levees and Courts, and he explained what each of us would be expected to do. As he Loped to have some levees as soon as possible, he suggested that we should not delay in obtaining the 'necessary outfit. We won't; but, of course, it is an expensive business. There are two things the new Government will always remember. The first is the extraordinary kindness shown tis V the King. The second is the absolute fair play we have bad from the press."