BEATING THE BOUNDS.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 7728, 11 June 1903, Page 2

BEATING THE BOUNDS.

QUAINT CEREMONY OBSERVED IN LONDON. The venerable custom of beating the boun-ls of the " Manor and Liberty of the Savoy " was conducted this yeai- with that quaint ceremony which has characterised the- observance for more than three hundred years. Headed by a beadle carrying a silvertopped staff, the jury of sixteen residents in the parish of St Clement Danes started from the vestry hall and visited thirteen points in the boundary. Their march through the Strand caused both amusement and curiosity. They called at Cnild's Bank, where they entered an underground passage, to examine an iron plate in the wall bearing the inscription " Duchy of Lancaster." At the Middle Temple Gardens, however, their right to cross the green turf was challenged by the keeper. "My authority," snid the beadle, pointing to the silver top of his staff, "is here." After some eloquent and lucid references to Kings and Charters the party safely proceeded. Another boundary murk was found in the scene-dock at the Lyceum Theatre. It was mentioned that a plate had been temporarily removed in consequence of the Gaiety Restaurant alterations, while others would be replaced when the Strand improvements were completed. The Easter Court Leet was subsequently held. Mi* G. R. Askwith, counsel to hia Majesty's Commissioners of Works and Public Buildings, presided. He mentioned that the Savoy and Halifax were the only two court Jeets which existed before the present jury system was aadopteed c and they still had the power to punish people for certain offences committed within the manors. The Savoy Court Leet many years ago fined a mail for keeping wild boasts on Savoy Hill, and a Marquis of Salisbury was penalised for .maintaining " a ruinous wail/ ____.