MAHARAJA OF BURDWAN

Otago Daily Times, Issue 22498, 16 February 1935, Page 17

MAHARAJA OF BURDWAN

A THOUGHTFUL VISITOR ANNUITIES FOR HIS STAFF. (From Our Own Correspondent.) LONDON, January 12. Since the Imperial Conference of about eight years ago the Maharaja of Burdwan has been a familiar figure in London. He came back to England and settled in the West End to superintend the education of his son at Oxford. At any banquet having an Imperial significance the Maharaja was always to be seen at the “top table,” clad in the orthodox evening dress. . A special correspondent of the Daily Telegraph pays a graceful tribute to the Maharaja, who has now returned to India. It bears out the impression people obtained of the distinguished visitor. , . .. .. Before he left London (writes the correspondent) lie settled an annual sum on each of the members of the English staff he has been obliged to leave behind. These yearly settlements, which range from £25 upwards, are to last until the Maharaja’s death. Three of the employees concerned, his chauffeur, his cook-house-keeper, and his housemaid, were with him in his Kensington Gore home; two others, a governess for his- grandson and a housekeeper, were at his daughter’s fiat in Glcndowcr place. All have been with him since he arrived in October, 1925. The only member of his staff who returned with him to India was Mis s L. Andrade, his secretary. , , r . During his stay in London the Manaraja’s generosity to the people of Kensington and to his own staff gained mm equal notice. His chauffeur, Mr Herbert Booth, said that the Maharaja was the most considerate employer he had ever known. “His presents to the staff tor their birthdays and at Christmas were examples,” Mr Booth said. Clocks, a wrist watch, and cuff links are some of the presents that I have received from him in recent years. Every year, a few davs before Christmas, he gave a party for the staff and their friends. ' Every one of us got three weeks’ holiday. For two whose homes were in Ireland lie used to pay the fare. He was like a father rather than an employer.” . • During his stay in England the Maharaja, who is 53. was able to take expert advice on the rheumatism from which he Buffers.