Abbey Souvenirs Sold.

Manawatu Herald, 28 October 1902, Page 2

Abbey Souvenirs Sold.

There has been much activity in the distribution of “ Coronation mementoes,” as the Comptroller of Stores at H.M. Office of Works calls the stools, chairs, and hangings used at the historic function in Westminster Abbey. Those who applied early have been able 'to obtain moat interesting souvenirs at at a very low price. Small demand was not the reason for clearing off the stock cheaply, for the applicants have been legion; but the Office of Works was instructed not to put fancy prices on the various articles Therefore, the little white caneseated stools, which cost la 11-J contract price, have been delivered at the house of the fortunate applicant

for 2s. The white chairs used by the Commons were priced at 3s; and, greatest surprise of all, the peers’ chairs, with their dainty cushions, have been packed up and sent to their owners for 30s. With tho exception of half a dozen, the peers bought in their own chains, so that few of them obtained more than two although one covetous marquis did apply for fifty! The carpets were not sold, of course, but the hangings of blue and gold were eagerly sought after at half a crown a yard, while the blue and gold fringe was only 6d a yard. As far as possible, the Comptroller of Stores tried to distribute the mementoes among private people only, but curiosity dealers are supposed to have secured indirectly a large number,