QUEEN MARY.

Hokitika Guardian, 20 July 1926, Page 4

QUEEN MARY.

BIRTHDAY TRIBUTES. ; LONDON, June 2. On -May 2Gth the Queen celebrated . her 59th birthday. All day long Icti tors and telegrams and gifts of *.avion.s kinds were arriving at Buckingham Palace. The offerings sent to Ur Majesty included many beautiful Hewers, mostly in her favourite o htrs, pink and mauve. Some bouquets were of pale mauve stocks, pink roses, and sweet peas in all delicate shades. There was a large hamper of Malmaison carnations and mignonette. The place of honour in the centre of the gift table was occupied by the King’s present—a pair of earrings; ) each consisting of a fine ruby set in a I diamond surround. Water-colours of garden scenes, flower paintings, pieces of plate, daintily embroidered pocket handkerchiefs, a miniature fan from Princess Victoria, and a porcelain din-ner-service emblazoned with the Garter arms from the ladies and gentlemen in waiting were other presents received. The Prince of Wales (who sent quail" taties of pale mauve sweet peas), the Duke of York, and other members of the Royal Family in London came to offer their congratulations during the morning. The only special celebration at the Palace was a family luncheon party, at which, some twenty relatives were present. The little sou of Lady Patricia Ramsay was taken to the Palace to congratulate the Queen in person, and the new baby Princess also was taken to see the Queen. There were many sightseers standing near the entrance gates, and tlie nurse in charge of the little Princess, it is , understood by the desire of her Majesty, took the Royal habv to the gates in order that they might see at close i quarters, a privilege which the women , among them greatly appreciated. A i Victorian posy of fragrant summer , flowers was tucked in. the baby’s 1 dimpled fist—her first birthday present i to the Queen. c

Bells were rung and a Royal salute fired at Windsor, and at Aldershot the R.H.A. fired a salute of twenty-one guns. Warships were dressed rainbow fashion at the naval ports,..and the battleship Ajax fired the Royal salute for the Noro Command, the garrison at Point Fort rendering similar honours.