An Ancient Custom.

New Zealand Graphic, Volume XLVI, Issue 9, 30 August 1911, Page 56

An Ancient Custom.

The Glriltern Hundred- are a range of chalk eminence- separating the counties of Bedford and Hertford, and passing througlr the middle of Bucks, to Henley, in Oxfordshire. They comprise the Hundreds of Burnham. Desborough. and Stoke. They were formerly much infest- d by robbers. To protect the inhabitants from these marauders, an officer of the Crown was appointed under the name of "Steward of the Chiitern Hundreds.” The duties have long ceased, but the office—a sinecure with a nominal pay —is still retained. A member of the House of Commons cannot’ resign, but acceptance of office under the Crown vacates his -eat. Whenever, therefore, a member of Parliament V i-hes to retire, he applies for thi, office, which, being granted a. a matter of course, his seat becomes vacant. He then immediately resigns the stewardship. so that it may lie vacant for the next applicant. In case of need the stewardship of the manors of East Hundred. Northstead. and Hempholm.■ may lie made to serve the same purpose. Tha custom dates from about the middle of the eighteenth century.