Baronets “Reduced.”

New Zealand Graphic, Volume XLVII, Issue 2, 10 January 1912, Page 56

Baronets “Reduced.”

Sixty baronets have been excluded by the Heralds’ College from its official list on tlie ground that they have failed to establish the validity 'of their title*, Their cases have been dealt with as quietly as possible. Ko opprobrious epithets are used. Virtuously indignant members of the order may speak of “bogus” baronets if they choose. Tlie heralds merely say that baronets are now subject to registration, and must givfl satisfactory proof that their claims are sound. If they fail to do so, that is their affair. It is not necessary to assume that they are unable to make out fairly plausible cases; and there is always the possibility that at least some of those who have failed to register may find documentary evidence sufficiently clear to meet official requirements. It is known that a few of the excluded baronets are at present too short of cash to bear tlie expense of genealogical research. Others prefer not to risk inquiries of which the result might only be to diminish the appearance of authority on which their titles depend. The Heralds’ College seems to take a ?trict view of its duties, judging from a claim which Mr. Edmund Charles Cox is making to the old Irish baronetcy of Oox of Dunmanway. His inability to produce the register of a birth which took place 200 years ago is the only defect In the chain of his family evidence. He is now endeavouring to get over this by proceedings before the Privy Council.