EX-KAISER’S WORRIES

Otago Daily Times, Issue 22356, 1 September 1934, Page 3

EX-KAISER’S WORRIES

• SHORTAGE OF MONEY ECONOMY AT DOORN. The exile home of the ex-Kaiser at Doom, Holland, is beset with financial worries. Strict economy is being enforced, and many members of the household staff have had their wages reduced. The reason is that the Nazi Government in Berlin refuses to send the large sums needed at the castle. Remittances are limited to 200 marks (about £ls 10s) a month. But the villagers at Doom say that the ex-Kaiser needs about £535 a week. The great task of economising has fallen to Princess Hermine, the ex-Kaiser’a second wife. Sh.e undertook it to relieve her husband of all worry. Princess Hermine formerly did all her own shopping in the village, but now she is seen less frequently. She has also had to stop her visits to Germany to see her children. In previous years she went several times. She usually brought some of'them back to Doom, for the ex-Kaiser is extremely fond of them. Happy family parties could be seen in the gardens on those occasions. Now financial difficulties are making the exiles more and more lonely. The comptroller of the court at Doom recently stated that the imperial household is economising. “Now that all Germany has to fight for its existence,” he said, “ we must do our part.” Ho declined to say anything about the future, but emphasised the important part Princess Hermoine is playing in reducing expense. “She relieves tc ex-Kaiser of all material cares,” he added. “ It is she who leads the household.” Other members of the staff are silent concerning what is happening. The penalty for indiscretion is instant dismissal. The villagers of Doom say the Princess

is proving an excellent manager. But they are hard hit by the new state of affairs. Some shopkeepers depended on orders from the Now many necessities previously obtained from them are sent from Germany. The German authorities withhold supplies of cash, but gladly send goods to clear accounts to some extent. Large loads are delivered every week. A shopkeeper said lately: "Princess Hermine is a charming woman. When she went shopping she always spoke to the villagers and asked about their family circumstances.” Princess Hermine rises at 7 a.ra., and formerly often cycled from the castle to the village with her daughter. She wears costly, but simple costumes, and is critical in all matters of dress. After being worn a few times her clothes are given to the poor wives of German officers who died in the war.

The ex-Kaiser, too, gives much attention to the way his wife dresses —especially to her gloves, rvhich must be the best. She has at least 100 pairs. She spends wet afternoons studying books on embroidery—her favourite work. Much of her work has been sent to Germany and sold on behalf of the wives of poor officers. The ex-Kaiser likes her to wear a special jewelled diadem during dinner. In the days before economy was necessary the Princess often held fancy fairs at Doom for the benefit of Germans and poor villagers. She made several of the things that were sold. Tho wagecuts have been enforced because the exKaiser prefers that method of economy to dismissals.