AF00101281 Premiers correspondence 1947-1948. NRS-12060 [9/3452] 47/3607 - Flipbook - Page 125
St G4
PUBLIC SERVICE BOARD,
P.913RESS ALL MAIL TO
0. BOX NO. 2.
19 O'CONNELL STREET,
S JNEY , N.S.W.
SYDNEY,
9th September, 1947.
indexed unc-: De' ,
P.H. Roper, Esq.,
Assistant Under Secretary,
Premier's Department.
Dear Mr. Roper,
I have had several conferences with Messrs.
Penfold and Missingham relative to a suitable wedding gift
for Princess Elizabeth. Naturally it was not deemed
advisable to mention the purpose of any inquiries which
were made, and, as a result, they have had to be somewhat
restricted. The only two suggestions which commend
themselves to me are a painting,by Streeton or Roberts,
a necklace or pendant of opals.
The difficulty regarding the painting is that so far
it has been impossible to locate a suitable one that would be
for sale, but if Cabinet decided that the gift should take
that form, it may be possible to locate a suitable picture.
The fabrication of a suitable necklace or pendant
is a more readily practicable proposition. For a sum of
£500 something really worth while would be possible. It is
suggested that it muld be appropriate to have choice opals
set in white gold of a distinctive design.
If this suggestion meets with approval, it might be
desirable to entrust the work to Mr. Percy Marks, who is
the authority on opals, and he might be asked to submit designs
and prices for consideration.
It might be submitted to Cabinet whether it is proposed to make a present to the Princess
on the occasion of her wedding;
the amount of money which the State is prepared to make
available. (It is suggested that an amount between
£500 End £600 would be satisfactory);
In the event of Cabinet deciding to make a present on
behalf of the State, to indicate their preference for
either a necklace or painting, or any alternative that
might be suggested;
to authorise inquiries to be made so that concrete
proposals may be submitted to a Sub-Committee of Cabinet.
Yours faithfully,
Board Member.
A
