WEDDING GIFT.

Otaki Mail, 16 January 1922, Page 3

WEDDING GIFT.

TO PRINCESS MARY. The Mayor, Mr J. P. Brandon, has ceive'd the following telegram:— "With reference to the presentation of a wedding gift to H.R.H. Princess Mary: As you are aware two funds were opened before Christmas by Her Excellency, one for subscriptions from the Marys of New Zealand, arid the other fro'm V.A.D's under the auspices of the Red Cross Societies. Both funds are to form part of an Empire gift to Her Royal Highness. Enquiries have been received from various quarters asking whether an opportunity would be afforded the women of. New Zealand as a whole to contribute towards a fund which would be a distinctive New Zealand one. In consequence of these enquiries I communicated with the Mayors of the Cities and principal towns throughout the Dominion, requesting an expression of opinion as to whether it was considered desirable to open a third fund on the above lines. The replies now received indicate a very general desire that an opportunity should be afforded for the presentation of a gift from the women of New Zealand. It has therefore been decided to open a fund, and I have to ask if you could kindly see your way to open lists in your borough for the purpose of reding Fringes Mary. It is consideW- 1 should be confined to Itf'ironi' each person and it is to be clearly understood that this is not intended in any way to prejudice subscriptions from Marys of New Zealand or the. Red. Cross Societies. The amounts received from them will be as stated part of an Empire gift, and will be New Zealand's quota towards the contributions received from other parts of the Empire, while the proposed third fund will be an entirely New Zealand one. It hag been decided that the closing date for receiving subscriptions shall be Saturday, February 11th, I shall be glad if you will arrange for all moneys received to bo paid into the Bank of. New Zealand to public account, and to forward bank receipt to Under-Secretary Internal Affairs, when the total amount subscribed has been ascertained. A- decision will be 'given as to the form the wedding gilt is to take.—WILLIAM DOWNEY STEWART, Minister of Internal Affairs. ART, Minister of Internal Affairs." It has been decided" to open lists as reported in our last issne.