MARCHIONESS' GUESTS.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXIX, Issue 21136, 19 March 1932, Page 6 (Supplement)

MARCHIONESS' GUESTS.

RECEPTION AT PARK LANE.

LAUGHING PREMIER. One of the most brilliant afternoon functions of the year took place recently in London. This was the Marchioness of Londonderry's reception, the last social-political function to be held before the reassembly of Parliament. , Nearly three thousand guests had been invited to meet the Prime Minister.

The reception was held at Londonderry House, Park Lane W., the magnificent home of the Marquis of Londonderry, the scene of many brilliant gatherings. In spite of the dignity and beauty of the house, and the large number of guests, there was a pleasing atmosphere of informality.

Lady Londonderry and Mr. Ramsay Mac Donald stood together at the top of the stairs and received the guests. In the intervals of shaking hands they could be seen chatting and laughing together, the Prime Minister looking as though he had not a care in the world.

A pleasant, homely touch was given by the fact that Lady Castlereagh, the wife of Lord Londonderry's heir, arrived hatless. This lack of formality gave the gathering a " family party " air. Many old friends met after an absence of years. It was no uncommon thing to note one man approach another with a friendly smile and say, " Didn't we meet when you were fighting East Ham ? or " We haven't seen each other since you were fighting that seat in Yorkshire.' By far the tallest man present was Lord Trenchard. He seemed to be enjoying his hour of leisure, and was heard to remark that as a rule he is so busy that he quite often has to go without lunch.

A distinguished figure was Lady_ Oxford, dressed entirely in black, wearing a long velvet coat and carrying a muff.