MRS CHAMBERLAIN.

Gisborne Times, Volume IX, Issue 717, 13 January 1903, Page 3

MRS CHAMBERLAIN.

AN ATTRACTIVE PERSONALITY.

It was oarly in tho new year of 1889 when Mrs Chamberlain was formerly introduced to her husband’s constituents, and the hearty Birmingham folks gave her an enthusiastic welcome home. There were lovoly Oriontal pearls strung into a beautoous necklet, and blazing diamonds and other matorial expressions of regard, but the warmth of the welcome was best expressed in tho assurance that it was the lady’s “ happy lot to be dowered with that wealth of interest, sympathy, and kindly affection which Mr Chamberlain's fellowtownsmen oiler as a marriage portion to his bride.”

That interest and kindly affection have never been abated so far as the Birmingham peoplo are concerned, though Mrs Chamberlain is probably ifot nearly so well known in the society of the midland capital as in London. She is her husband’s constant companion, and both are to be seen at society functions and at the theatres as frequently as the very scanty leisure of a Cabinet Minister permits. At all big meetings which the right hon. gentleman from time to time addresses in Birmingham and elsewhere Mrs Chamberlain has invariably been at his side. Indood, the first and practically tho only time which she has missed sharing in this way his public engagements was whon she had just lost her father in 1900. The predominant characteristic of Mrs Chamberlain’s personality is a singularly winning charm of manner. Effusive paragraphists in society papers often describe her as a beautiful woman, but it is this charm of manner rather than mere beauty of feature that most impresses one. A brunette, with fresh complexion, bright eyes, and laughing lips, Mrs Chamberlain combines dignity and vivacity, as well as I she graces that shine in social life. Sho was, by the way, a particular favorite of the late Queen, standing higher, probably, in Her Majesty’s good graces than any of her countrywomen had ever done. Tho Sovereign’s favor was particularly manifested at the time of the Diamond Jubiloo, when she conferred on Mrs Chamberlain, not the silver, but the gold commemoration medal, which, with one exception, was only given to members of the reigning house and to families of foreign monarchs. Mrs Chamberlain i° wholly absorbed in husband and homo, and so far from following the example of the wives of many public men she carefully abstains from any active part in political work. Whether at Trince’s Gardens or at Highbury she is a delighful hostess, whose qualities are seldom better displayed than in the quiet seclusion of happy weeks-ends at Highbury. Though rarely undertaking public work herself she is actively interested in the operations of tho Colonial Nursing Association, of tho committeo of which she is a member. When her countrywomen fitted out tho Maine hospital ship Mrs chamberlain naturally evinced a keon iniorest in its work. Ono of tho fow public

functions at which she has taken a prominent part was the launch of the Vencrablo, two or threo years ago. Mrs Chamberlain has frequently visited the General Hospital in Birmingham and joined in the Christmas festivities by helping to distribute Yuletido presents, always leaving behind her a gracious remembrance among the patients in the wards. On the writing table in Mr Chamberlain’s library stands her portrait, and in the gallery abovo the big hall at Highbury hangs another painted by Millais. Besides it is the picturo of old Governor Endicott. Mrs Chamberlain has often taken her husband across the Atlantic for a short holiday among her own people, and now she is accompanying the Colonial Secretary on his South African tour. She takes with her a maid, and Mr Chamberlain has his own manservant, while their suite also includes a couple of secretaries.