DUKE OF KENT

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXVI, Issue 23431, 22 August 1939, Page 6

DUKE OF KENT

HOME AT CANBERRA COST OF ALTERATIONS MORE THAN £40,000 ' • [feoji ora own correspondent] SYDNEY, Aug. i 8 More than £40,000 will be the cost to the Commonwealth Government of alterations and additions to "Yarralumla," the Governor-General's resideuce at Canberra, and new furnishings to prepare for the Duke and Duchess of Kent. The new construction work was originally estimated to cost about £26,000, but unexpected difficulties have been encountered in-making the alterations and additions, principally because of the need for strengthening the walls and wall supports. ° Two shifts are being worked day and night to complete the work by October 7 in readiness for the interior, decorating and furnishing. The work is being carried out with day labour by the Department of the Interior. The Duko and Duchess will take up their residence at "Yarralumla" on November 23. They will send, out i a advance a large quantity ,of their own furniture, and the .Government will instal a considerable amount of new furniture. Nearly £BO,OOO was sppnt by the Government on remodelling the old homestead in 1926. The building wa3 never satisfactory and the appointment of the Duko of Kent as Governor. General made further .alterations and additions necessary. It was originally intended that "Yarralumla" should be a temporary Government House, but eventually it will be completed as the' permanent official residence for the GovernorGeneral of the Commonwealth.