FREAK CLUBS.

Auckland Star, Volume LIV, Issue 72, 24 March 1923, Page 19

FREAK CLUBS.

FINES FOR NOT SIGHING FREQUENTLY One of the most extraordinary clubs in London was the Sighing Clnb, the members of which were supposed to be whollr absorbed In thinking of their sweethearts. Each would hold In his hand a bit of ribbon, a Jock of hair, a perse, or some other article belonging to the object or his affections, and from time -to time he would nddrurid this article In terms of endearment, no other speaking toeing allowed. On Initiation the member had to compose an* Teclte a poem In honour of his lady, and at the meetings a fine "wag impose*! upon the member who did not sigh five The No-Nose Club was founded by a gentleman who was nn unwilling follower the members dined together and a you iff plsu the favourite dish, was the principal item on the menu, the snout was always cut o£f by the cook. The late Henry Pettlt established a Nose Club for the possessors of large noses. He himself was the first president. The Club o! Ugly Faces was also founded hy a gentleman who boasted an enormously birjre nose. Another member h:id a chin the size and shape of a shoe horn, another a huge mouth, and a fourth very large, protriidlns eyes. No one was eltifble for membership who had not some facial malformation, and all members on initiation had to make n speech in praise of Aesop, whose portrait hunß over the mantelpiece of the clubroom. The Surly Club had Its meeting place near Billingsgate Fish Market, and the membership wag limited to cabmen, carmen, and watermen, who used to mee'. once a week to exercise the art of abusive language in order that they might not lose the reputation they had gained. i.Vny member found guilty of courtesy or politeness nns promptly fined.