THE ROYAL TOUR

Waikato Times, Volume 124, Issue 20831, 15 June 1939, Page 9

THE ROYAL TOUR

DRESSES FOR FIRST LADIES QUEEN AND MRS ROOSEVELT GIFTS FROM WOOL-GROWERS (From a Correspondent) NEW YORK, May 8. America’s First Lady, Mrs Eleanor Roosevelt, to-day voiced her thanks to the thousands of wool growers of Australia, New Zealand and South Africa, when she received from their representatives the gift of an especially woven sheer woollen fabric. American wool growers have presented a special fabric from their fleeces to Queen Elizabeth, and a dress made from this cloth is included in Her Majesty’s wardrobe. The presentation to Mrs Roosevelt was made by Mr L. R. MacGregor, Australian Trade Commissioner; Mr R. M. Firth, New Zealand Trade Commissioner; and Mr Emil Horn, Consul for the Union of South Africa. The colourful ceremony, in the WaldorfAstoria, was attended by editors, writers and fashion authorities. "On behalf of the wool growers of Australia, New Zealand and South Africa,”

said Mr MacGregor, ‘‘we are very happy to have you accept this woven fabric from the finest wools grown In the British Commonwealth of Nations.” After unlocking the chest containing the clo-th, and feeling its almost gossamer lightness, Mrs Roosevelt expressed her delight and appreciation. “1 am grateful to the people of your countries,” she said. "I look forward with pleasure to wearing a dress from this material when I meet Her Majesty in Washington.” Mrs Roosevelt, immediately following the presentation, conferred with Glarepotter, the noted designer, who will create the dress for her. Importance of Wool Industry The first announcement that Queen Elizabeth and Mrs Roosevelt would 1 accept the special fabrics was made simultaneously on March 15 in London by Dr. I. Clunies-Ross, of the International Wool 'Secretariat., and in Washington bv Mr F. R. Marshall, of the American Wool Growers’ Association. "Mrs Roosevelt and the Queen have agreed to accept these gifts in view of the historic role of the wool industry in the development of the countries concerned,” Dr. CluniesRoss said, "and also in recognition of the vital importance of the wool industries to the maintenance of prosperity in the Dominions and the United States, and to the development of world trade.” Immediately the finest fieeces from i

the 34 wool-producing states in the United States were assembled, and the cloth for Her Majesty was woven in the Forstmann mills in New Jersey. Simultaneously, the finest fleeces from Australia, New Zealand and South Africa were gathered in London, and the cloth for Mrs Roosevelt was woven in the John Emsley mills. Both fabrics, in weight and colour, represent the expressed wishes of Queen Elizabeth and Mrs Roosevelt. The cloth for Her Majesty is a light blue shade now known as "Queen’s Blue.” That for Mrs Roosevelt, presented to her to-day, is of a darker shade called "Azure Blue.” The Gifts Approved Editorial opinion in the United States has warmly applauded both the spirit and the fact of the gifts. Many editors have commented that through the graciousness of two great ladies millions of farmers and other workers in the countries involved will play a dramatic part in the first meeting* on American soil of Great Britain's Reigning Monarchs and America’s President and First Lady—a truly historic moment.