The Royal Palace.

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 75, Issue 178, 30 July 1932, Page 13 (Supplement)

The Royal Palace.

1 obtained permission to visit the Royal Palace in the centre of the city and also the separate Throne Room, which is some miles out. and which is of more recent dale, being a most ela borate marble building built by Dalian workmen in t.lalian style of archilec. tnre. There are strict regulations as to the garb of the visitor, no “plus fours’’ or “shorts” being admitted. The important looking official who received me, was a chcwer of the popular beetle-nut with the customary rows of broken and blackened teeth which one

.sees everywhere, and which spell ruination to the appearance of all its devotees. The throne room was vast and impressive, while in the grounds are two pavilions, housing the sacied elephants, called white, but grey would be more accurate. The unhappy animals have their front legs chained together so closely with the chains attached to a strong stake that they must suffer great discomfort. They bow and beg in the hope that the visitor will purchase some length of sugar cane for them from the attendant, who keeps a supply in readiness. Not. far away were cages containing white, sacred monkeys. One old veteran flew into a terrific rage as soon as he espied us and snarled and dashed at his bars till wc retreated. (To be cone]tided.)