BRIDEGROOM'S GUIDE.

Temuka Leader, Issue 1557, 16 September 1886, Page 4

BRIDEGROOM'S GUIDE.

At is large And fashionabla churcb, not a hundred miles fro-n Wilton place (says Truth) lives a careful and considerate \Shepherd, who is most anxious for ihe spiritual and the worldly welfare of those about to enter the holy estate of matrimony under his auspices. The aspiring bridegroom on inquiring at the church receives a nicely got-up " bill of fare," much resembling what lie would be handed to him on eutering the Cafe Rjyal or similar resorts. On perusal, he learns fhiit he can have a marrhige after banns for 12s, or a marriage by license for 15s. - « N.B;—The above fees only are legally demanded," says the carte de jour ; bat then cou-es a nice red line, and the magic words: " When these fees are not adhered to, the following payments are customary ": To the Vicar A-nount entirely optional (We have heard this expressed in other, but not more persuasive, words). Clerk ...£1 1 0 Verger 0 5 0 Beadle ... 0 5 0 Pew-openers (divided) ... 0 5 0 The feeß for the choir follow, and then, two items come : Uss of red cloth (if desired) 0 5 0 Use of awning 3 3 0' To this there is a foot note : The necessity for the red cloth and awning is" lefr entirely to the discretion of those who arrange for the iiiarriage, and will not be supplied unless specially ordered. An unassuming black line here catches the bridegroom's eye, and he staggers back as he fin<Jß that dinners specially ordered—no, 1 mean .mean marriages celebrated after noon—cost double all the above fees, and an addition is made this time in favor of the organ-blower, who receives 53. The philanthropy and kind-heartednes'b of the parish shepherd 'is portrayed in the concluding paragraph : "Where .the use of the awning is required, persons are requested to apply to Mr , parish clerk; for flowers, to Mi-^—, of ; and tor printing of special hymns" [we tuppose, composed by the happy ! bridegroom] "to ,