ROYAL GARDEN PARTY

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 77, Issue 209, 4 September 1934, Page 2

ROYAL GARDEN PARTY

NEW ZEALANDERS PRESENT. Held in the loveliest of weather, though the the breeze which was so delightfully cooling played havoc with the modern flat-crowned hats—Princess Elizabeth was one of its first victims—the Royal garden party in the gardens of Buckingham Palace was one of the most refreshing of the season’s social fixtures (writes a correspondent from London). The traffic arrangements were as usual splendid, all cars being admitted to the Palace yard in strict rotation. The lawns were very colourful, seeing how the water shortage has been afflicting gardeners, and the masses of flowers were ablaze with the loveliest hues of summer at its height. Dresses of all shades—yellow and pink vied with one another and the herbaceous borders in brilliance against the cool greens of the trees and the bright sky overhead. Soon after four o'clock the Royal party issued from the Palace. It included Their Majesties, the King dressed in grey and the Queen in a lovely cream lace gown, with a fascinating toque to match, and carrying a parasol in a most beautiful and uncommon shade of turquoise blue. The Duchess of York looked charming in a flowered ninon on a white ground. Her sash was of all colours printed in her frock—flame, purple and blue. The Prince of Wales, Prince Henry and Prince George were all present, but perhaps the most interesting personality was the little Princess Elizabeth, looking like a dainty flower in rose pink organdie. The Duke of Connaught, Prince and Princess Arthur of Connaught, the latter wearing a delightful frock in silk checked muslin, and Lady Patricia Ramsay in a navy blue and white printed crepe de chine, with a navy blue straw hat, made a delightful family party. The Marquis and Marchioness of Cambridge, the exiting of Greece, the Duchess of Devonshire in purple, Princess Alice, Duchess of Athlone and her daughter. Lady May Abel Smith, were also to be seen in the Royal entourage. The King and Queen moved about among the guests, holding small courts wherever they went. Everyone was charmed to see Princess Elizabeth kiss her grandfather before she remembered to curtsy to him. The newspapers put the attendance at from 9000 to 12,000, but; as one wandered in and out among the groups of chattering people the numbers seemed to be even greater. Everyone had tea quite comfortably, and the most delicious raspberries and cream, if so inclined. The tables in the tea tents were decorated with the most perfect bright pink carnations. The presentations took place under the Ambassadors' oak at the far end of the lawn. Sir James Parr, the High Commissioner for New Zealand, presented just two people from the Dominion—Sir James Grose and Mrs. G. W. Hutchison, wife of Auckland's Mayor. Mrs. Hutchison wore a blue ensemble, relieved by touches of cerise. Among other New Zealanders present were Mr. and Mrs. W. Wilson, of Auckland, the latter wearing a navy blue and scarlet ensemble; Mr. and Mrs. and Miss Mappin, Miss Hcllaby, in figured georgette, all of Auckland; Miss Nelle Scanlan, in a smart short black jacket; Miss Eileen. Driscoll, the New Zealand singer, in a brown ensemble; Airs. Winsbury White and her daughter and son-in-law, who is a professor of psychology, and Miss Goycn, of Dunedin.