DUKE OF KENT

Waikato Times, Volume 120, Issue 20889, 22 August 1939, Page 5

DUKE OF KENT

NEW HOME IN AUSTRALIA £40,000 TO BE SPENT (United Press. Assn.—EJec. Tel. Copyright) CANBERRA, August 22 More than £40,000 will be the cost to the Commonwealth Government o. alterations and additions to Yarralumla and new furnishings to prepare for the Duke and Duchess of Kent. The new construction work was originally estimated to cost about £20,000. Unexpected difficulties have been encountered in making the alterations and additions, and two shifts are being worked to complete the job by October 7 in readiness for the interior decorating and furnishing. The work is being carried out by day labour by the Department of the Interior. Permanent Residence Nearly £BO,OOO was spent by the Government on remodelling the old homestead in 1926. The building was never satisfactory, however, and the appointment of the Duke of Kent as Governor-General made furtlio. alterations and additions necessary. It was originally intended that , Yarralumla should be a temporary Government House, but it will eventually be completed as the permanent official residence for the GovernorGeneral of the Commonwealth. The Duke and Duchess will take up residence at Yarralumla on November 23. They will send out in advance a large quantity of their own furniture, and the Government will instal a considerable amount of new furniture.