RUM AND MILK

Dominion, Volume 11, Issue 90, 9 January 1918, Page 6

RUM AND MILK

-e QUAINT CUSTOM VARIED BY THE WAR. .

The payment of what is known as Wroth' Silver by various parishes in tho Hundred of Knightlow, Warwickshire, has been rudely interfered with by the licensing restrictions imposed by war conditions. The usual finish of the ceremony is a breakfast at which hot rum is served, and this until last year has been observed for centuries. Tho hot rum and milk is an appreciated item on the programme, for the ceremony—which is i undoubtedly well over a thousand years old—takes-place as day is dawning on the eve of Martinmas Day. On the ton of a mound known as Kniglitlow Hill supposed to be the burial place of a Roman general or British chief, is a square, hollow stone—probably the base of an old wayside cross, anil here the people assemble.

Refore the sun has risen, the steward of the D.uke of Ruccleuch here takes his stand, witli his face tq the oast, and solemnly reads the Charter of Assembly. Tlio representatives of tho parishes due to make payment then throw their money into the stone, at the same time saying, "Wroth Silver." Twenty-six parishes are "called," and tho payment varies from a penny to 2s. 3id. . . ' Precisely what is the original meaning of wroth silver is a debatable point. Some declare it to be a relic of feudalism, beinjr a payment for exemption from military service. Parishes would to-day find it difficult to comply with one of the alternative penalties for nonpayment of tho fee due. This is the forfeiture.of a white bull with red nose, and ears of tho same colour. During the Inst century this penalty was on one occasion imposed. A whito bull was'demanded. Tim hoist supplied did not .fully answer th" description, and was not accepted. ITnnpily, tho alternntive fine is l no s difficult—tho payment of twnty shillings. All the people iit.tcnditT! t-''° o«i - on'ony are rtiven n Riibstnntial hronkfnst at Mm expels" of Hie T)iiko nf and p "nllcction is made amonest them. Tlio newcomers are enlled "colts." and contribute one shilMnr; pach ' rtlie "old stagers" pay sixpence,. The money so collected is given to charity.