QUAINT OFFICES

Evening Post, Volume CXI, Issue 91, 18 April 1931, Page 24

QUAINT OFFICES

Tho ancient title of Admiral of the Port of London is held by the Lord Mayor of London, and although Sir Phone Ncal docs not claim a seafaring reputation ho is entitled to lly his admiral's flag when at sea oft' his coasts of London. Two yearn ago Southampton had a woman Mayor, Mrs. Foster-Welch,-and the naval folk wondered if she would bo an admiral too. Without much diflieulty Mrs. Foster-Welch proved her right to tiy her admiral's flag anywhoro in Southampton. Water, and she did so. She'piped aboard a great liner in excellent style, while her pennant was broken at the mast. The admiral of the port is entitled also to an admiral salute of guns whenever naval craft enter Southampton Water. A number of curious titles are borne by leading people, an authority on heraldry recently informed the "Sunday Times." The young Duke of Norfolk is Earl-Marshal of England, but he bears as well the much more picturesque titlo of Hereditary Chief Butler. Tho dishes served by the Hereditary Chief Butler would doubtless first be tasted by the Hereditary Grand Almoner. He is the Marquis of Exeter, who enjoys also the privileges and dignities of being Custos Eotulorum of the Soke of Peterborough.

The Hereditary Grand Falconer is

tho Duke of St. Albuns, who might prove his skill by flying a hawk in Epping Forest. To do this, however, ho should be accompanied by tho Duko of Coimaught, who is Eanger of Epping Forest. Whittlebury Forest might be more convenient. Then tho Duko of Graf ton, who is aged 16 years, would surely be glad to go with him. AVore Eichmond Park preferred, the Kiug, as Chief Banger, would have to be requested to grant permission. Tho Prince of Wales is Lord High Steward of Windsor. His brother, the Duke of Gloucester, enjoys a similar position at King's Lynn. The greataunt, Princess Beatrice, is Governor of the Isle of Wight. Mr. Eamsay MacDonald incorporates in his other offices the Gilbertian-sounding title of Lord High Treasurer of England, while Lord Sankey, as Lord Chancellor, is also Lord Keeper of the Great Seal. Lord Grey de Euthyn, whose title is more than COO years old, is an Hereditary Bearer of one of the Golden Spurs. Another Bearer is the Countess of Loudoun, whoso title is almost as old. Their privileges are exercised at coronations and upon other great occasions of State. More popular than many of these titles, however, is that enjoyed by the Marquis, of Huntly, who is affectionately known as Cock o' the North by all his friends across tho Tweed.