DELICACIES FOR SERVANTS

Southland Times, Issue 23818, 16 May 1939, Page 7

DELICACIES FOR SERVANTS

QUEBEC’S POSTPONED FUNCTIONS RUMOURS ABOUT REASON FOR DELAY (United Press Assn.—Telegraph Copyright) (Received May 15, 7.40 p.m.) QUEBEC, May 15. The staff of Chateau Frontenac tonight dined on choice trout intended for the King and Queen and 250 guests at an official luncheon tomorrow, says a special correspondent of the Australian Associated Press, and orders were hurriedly telegraphed to secure a fresh supply of Canadian delicacies. Thousands of snow birds, however, are safe on the ice. These migratory birds, the size of sparrows, can be procured only in April; they were to be the highlight of the luncheon. Four breasts, embalmed in jelly, were required for each portion. The hotels are contented, however, as Quebec is jammed with waiting visitors. Rumours are running wild, but it is officially denied that the delay is being caused by the King’s illness, the international situation or the presence of a submarine off the coast. The rumour about the submarine gained

currency because of the operations of mine-sweepers off Nova Scotia since a foreign submarine was reported off the mouth of Halifax harbour three weeks ago.

Bulletins posted tonight say that the Empress of Australia may arrive on Wednesday morning, but it is regarded as doubtful.

The Dominion Government has decided to withhold future announcements about changes in the plans for the Royal tour until it is more definitely established when the liner will reach Quebec. There has been talk that their Majesties’ visit to Ottawa will be reduced by two days, but there is no confirmation of this, as all changes must be wirelessed to the King and Queen for their approval. A final decision is unlikely before tomorrow. The citizens of Quebec, drilled for days in their part in the reception to the King and Queen, were generally disappointed when it was announced the ship would be late, but the disappointment was greatly mitigated when it was learned that the Ottawa programme was the only one likely to be cut. Unfortunately, there was some gratification that Ottawa is likely to command a smaller share in the proceedings. It is no longer a secret that in many quarters it is felt that the capital and official circles are claiming too large a share of the Royal attention. Many in social circles found that they had been edged out of the banquet or drawing-room to make room for politicians or a politician’s wife.

This feeling found expression in an editorial in The Chronicle-Telegraph, Quebec’s only English language newspaper, which deplored the influx of visitors from Ottawa to Quebec and contended that as one of the purposes of the Royal visit was to permit the King and Queen to come into contact with as many of their subjects as possible it would be wise if Ottawa personages “reserved gratification of their social ambitions” until the King and Queen reached Ottawa.