THE RED CROSS NECKLACE.

Taihape Daily Times, 29 August 1918, Page 2

THE RED CROSS NECKLACE.

I WHO WIIjL WEAE IT? The pearl necklace contributed to J the Bed Cross by the women of Eng- ! land has been valued at over £200,000, and now the question arises what to do with it, Some enthusiastic loyalist i have suggested that it be given to ihj Quuen, but the Queen has resolute!/ vetoed this proposal on the ground that she does not wish to wciar any jewels at all at this particular tirec, although she is sometimes compelled to wear the crown jewels. It will be observed that there are other ladies who have no such scruples, remarks jan American critic. In any case it i seeirs to be a rather stupid suggestion j If the necklace were[ given to the [ Queen there would be no profit whatever for the Red Cross. Seeing that the Queen could not possibly afford to buy it. It is now proposed that the neek- : lace be soTd by auction, which, -jft I course, is the right thing to do and the only thing to do. Possibly it would I be bought by some unpleasant pork | butchering millionaire and worn by ! his wife, but wln.t would that matter? I We must find some use for our millionaires, and if they can be separated from their money in such ways as thi-3 it will be god for everyone concerned. One wonders what has become of all the jewels of antquity. There must have been enormous numbers in tb..' possession of the Roman aristocrats, for example, In fact, there was never a time in human history when jewels were not being amassed, but the output of precious stones must have been nearly continuous. Where are they all now? Doubtless some of the ancient jewels are still being worn, but there must be a large number unaccountable for. For instance, where is the diamond necklace that brought scandal upon Marie Antoinette? Maybe its whereabouts is known to those who made a study of such things, but there must be scores of other historic- gems that have disappeared One wonders if they have found their way "to India.