Gift of Hills Hoist clothesline to Buckingham Palace

Correspondence concerning an offer by Hills Hoists Ltd.

A Hills Hoist in a backyard.

Transcript

[Page 1]

[Letterhead in red ink shows the Coat of Arms of the United Kingdom, and the capitalised words 'GOVERNMENT HOUSE. ADELAIDE.']

[Stamped in black ink the capitalised words 'OFFICIAL SECRETARY – 9 MAR 1959 TO GOVERNOR-GENERAL']

5th March, 1959.

[Capitalised] SOUTH AUSTRALIA.

Sir,

I forward herewith a Memorandum which I have received from my Premier, saying that Hills Hoists Limited, is desirous of donating a Hills Rotary Clothes Hoist to Her Majesty [underlined in blue ink] The Queen and to Her Majesty The Queen Mother [underlined in blue ink].

I have the honour to be,

Sir,

Your Excellency’s most obedient Servant,

Robert A. George [handwritten signature]

GOVERNOR.

His Excellency,

The Governor-General of the Commonwealth of Australia,

Government House

CANBERRA. A.C.T.

[Handwritten addition at the bottom half of the page in blue ink]

Your Excellency,

Rather an unusual offering! I believe these hoists are not available in other countries. It is possible one would be useful to the Palace and Clarence House. An enquiry to Michael Adeane [the Queen's private secretary] would do no harm.

[Illegible initials] 15/3

[End handwritten]

[Handwritten addition at the bottom right corner of the page in green ink]

P.S. [Postscript]

I think this is rather nonsense

15/3

[End handwritten]

[Page 2]

[A black-and-white photograph of an empty Hills Hoist clothesline in a backyard]

About this record

Feeling particularly patriotic in the wake of recent royal visits, Hills Hoists Ltd wanted to donate a clothesline to Buckingham Palace. The offer went via the Premier and Governor of South Australia, but did not pass the Governor-General. Officially the offer was refused due to rules governing the acceptance by royalty of presents of value from commercial houses.

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