THE MANSION HOUSE

Hokitika Guardian, 7 August 1930, Page 3

THE MANSION HOUSE

CO'STLY ESTABLISHMENT,

CITY’S TREASURE IlOUSis

LONDON, June 19

Tiie Mansion mouse, tne iiuure oi which is tlie subject 'el' much controversy ami conflicting rumour, almost invariably provides one of the heaviest items on each Lord Mayor's expenses sheet'. The oifieial allowance for its upkeep is inadequate to meet the expenditure. 'I, The edifice is very deaf to the heart of the City Fathers, and will survive all talk of evacuation. Its sombre, massive dignity embodies the true spirit of city tradition—which, . after all, is always on the heavy side. It is very much more than the residence of the Lord Mayor: it is the treasurehouse of the civic glory of the centur-

The priceless gold and .silver plate that is the especial pride of ttye City Fathers is housed here'," together with the famous Mate and insigna' 'bf tho council and tlie two swords-—tliCrSwonl of State and the l , eaiTSwoi'd,".hi‘sVt')jey are known. Tlie latter., on the crimson scabbard, of which over a'-'- th'dfidaml pearls are sewn, was the gift of Queen Elizabeth to the city when she'came to open the first Royal Exchange. It >s seldom shown to the public; TtSouhy public appearances are at corohatfoiis, when tho Lord Mayor carries it in Him procession held upright before him; on the occasion of State visits to the city, when the swo - d-hearer carries it before tho King, a'ml when the iHunce of'AViiles is entertained at the Guildhall, when it is pieced before, him on tho table. Tlie .Sword of State is used on all other occasions, in company with the Golden Mace. ~s ! '