HOME LIFE AT SANDRINGHAM

New Zealand Times, Volume LXXI, Issue 4396, 29 June 1901, Page 4 (Supplement)

HOME LIFE AT SANDRINGHAM

A charming illustrated article on th© "Home Life at Sandringham" of our Boyal Family, apears'in the April number of the "Lady's Magazine, ** from the pen of Mary Spencer Warren, who knows her subject so well that she can tell much that is new and interesting: "When his Majesty was not in residence, and there were no visitors, the daily routine was of the simplest description. Her Majesty is extremely fond of every kind of n.«eulowork, not omy artistic, but "useful, a nd, indeed, many evidences of the former could be seen about the rooms. It is common knowledge that J Queen Alexandra has always preferred her own taste to that of other people, and no one can deny its perfection. Music, reading and writing, and similar-occupations, have, of course, taken up a certain amount of Her Majesty's time, interspersed with walks and long drives through the Norfolk lanes. When not too far, from the house the Royal ladies were always well known, and in diurn knew everyone whom they met, greeting all wtih a kindly smile of recognition. Occasionally, however, the drive might be of a more extensive nature, and once, when HER MAJESTY 'WAS DRIVING her daughters in the little village cart known as the Bines—in which, by the way. Limy generally move unattended —they got much 'beyond their usual distance, and. feeling hungry, pulled up at a little wayside hotel for luncheon. The host was not sure, but had a suspicion of their ideni ity, and. determined not to_ lose a good opportunity, brought in his visitor's book, asauig them 'to be kind enough to insert thtir names. But Her Maesty was equal to the occasion, and calmly wrote. 'Mrs Wales and two daughters.' The model da.ry was sure to claim attention; but the smaller and mote ornamental one known ns the 'Princess' was the one in which chief interest was centred. It is really ! a Swiss Cottage, and served not only for i;a iy, hut also as a rendezvous for afterii, iji tea. The portion devoted to business .? covered with tiles, which were a present Irom the King, having been selected and luderod for the purpose by His Majesty v, lien in Bombay some years ago. They are or peacock bine, with the motto, ‘lch dicn.' and rose, shamrock, and thistle entwined. A marble counter runs round the mm and standing thereon are » number r.f 1 PORCELAIN-LINED SILVER PANS. Brackets bn the wall hold cows and calves of all varieties in silver, marble, terra-i-otta. and china, and there is a mounted head of n pet cow. with a silver plate including the many prizes she won at various show's. This dairy bos not been so 'much in use lately as it formerly was, but at one time the Princess and her daughters were frequently to be found busily engaged in turning out temptinglooking pats of butter, themselves clad in apron and sleeves, in true business-like styld. The pretty little tea-room has numerous associations which will be dear "to the 'heart of Queen Alexandra, for many happy 'hours have been spent within its walls, when the Eoyal lady, assisted by her daughters, dispensed the tea and its accompaniments. which they had themselves prepared, to the guests within its walls. Amongst these have been Her Maesty's mother and son. and our'own dearly loved Queen Victoria."