AF00101281 Premiers correspondence 1947-1948. NRS-12060 [9/3452] 47/3607 - Flipbook - Page 123
47/3607
rNEMI[K'S DEFAKTMENT,
N
N
SYDNEY.
16th September, 1947.
Ml NUT.
Subject.'
WEDDING GIFT FOR PRINCESS ELIZABETH.
.1.11
St. 8385
It
been ascertained that the aovernor has receiver' -n unofficial
letter from the King's Private Secretary indicating, in effect, that the
usual restrictions on presents beln7 made to a member of the Royal Family,
without prior permission being obtained, have been relaxed and that gifts
may be made to Princess Elizabeth on the occasion of her marriage which will
take place on 20th November.
I accordingly arranged for a small committee consisting of :Mr. A.W. Hicks
- Member of the Public Service Board;
Mr. A.R. Penfold
- Curator of the Technological Museum;
. Mr. Hal Missingham
Director of the National Art Gallery;
to make discreet inquiries (without disclosing the purpose), regarding an
appropriate gift which the Government of this State might desire to make to
Princess Elizabeth. The committee has sug7ested as alternatives :a painting of a N.S.W. subject by Streeton or Roberts;
a necklace' or pendant of opals.
The committee states that difficulty has been experienced in
locating a suitable painting which would be for sale, but that the fabrication of a suitable necklace or pendant of opals, which are indigenous to
N.(3.W., is a more readily practicable proposal and su7gests that such gems
mi7ht be set in white gold.
Announcements which have been made in the Press (see attached sheet
tabbed) indicate th-A
(n)
(b)
The Commonwealth Government is considering making a
gift of silver plate;
the Victorian Government will make a 'rift of a piece
of furniture made from Victorian timber.
The 0fficif0. Secretary has made a suggestion - on behalf of the
Governor - that the occasion of Princess Elizabeth's marriage could
appropriately be celebrated in N.S.W. by a Garden Party at Government House,
and has asked if the Government would meet the cost of such a function,
estimated at £400. A separate recommendation has been submitted to the
Premier in this .regard.
It is considered that a crift of the nature recommended by the
abovementioned committee would be a more appropriate way of m-rkina the
occasion of Princess Elizabeth's marriage than the holding of a Garden Party.
RECOMMENDATION:
r
It is recommended that the Premier 'give consideration to the proposal
to make a gift of a necklqce or pendant of N.S.W. opals to Princess Elizabeth
at a cost of approxirriatelyZ00. Perhaps the Premier might desire to mention
this matter to his colleagues in Cabinet and might approve of the above-
