WOVEN FABRICS

Wairarapa Times-Age, 16 June 1939, Page 8

WOVEN FABRICS

PRESENTATION TO PRESIDENT’S WIFE. CEREMONY IN UNITED STATES. NEW YORK, June 8. America’s First Lady,. Mrs Eleanor Roosevelt, today voiced her thanks to the thousands of wool growers of Australia, New Zealand and South Africa when she received from their representatives the gift of an especially woven sheer woollen fabric. American wool growers have presented a special fabric from their fleeces to Queen Elizabeth, and a dress made from this cloth is included in her Majesty’s wardrobe. The presentation to Mrs Roosevelt was made by L. R. MacGregor, Australian Trade Commissioner; R. M. Firth, New Zealand Trade Commissioner, and Emil Horn, Consul for the Union of South Africa. The colourful ceremony, in the Waldorf-Astoria, was attended by editors, writers and fashion authorities. “On behalf of the wool growers of Australia, New Zealand and South Africa,” said Mr MacGregor, “we are very happy to have you accept this woven fabric from the finest wools grown in the British Commonwealth of Nations.”

After unlocking, the chest containing the cloth, and feeling its almost gossamer lightness. Mrs Roosevelt expressed her delight and appreciation. “I am grateful to the people of your countries,” she said. "I look forward with pleasure to wearing a dress from this material when I meet her Majesty in Washington.” Mrs Roosevelt, immediately following the presentation, conferred with Clarepotter, the noted designer who will create the dress for her.

Both fabrics, in weight and colour, represent the expressed wishes of Queen Elizabeth and Mrs Roosevelt. The cloth for her Majesty is a light blue shade now known as “Queen’s Blue.” That for Mrs Roosevelt, presented to her today, is of a darker shade called “Azure Blue.”