THE EMPIRE OF BEADLEDOM.

New Zealander, Volume 9, Issue 716, 23 February 1853, Page 3

THE EMPIRE OF BEADLEDOM.

[From “ Punch,” October 16.]

Long encouraged by events “ over the water,’’ the elected Beadle of one of our arcades—we will not say which—has struck a blow whose aim is to plant the staff of beadledom for ever in his own family* He has recently been making a progress from the north entrance to the south, and the following are some of the bulletins that have reached us.

Arcade, Number Oxe. —The Beadle has just gone by the door of number one, amidst cries a million times repeated of Vive Bumble 2. Ashe approached the shop the master presented the following address :—“ We hail you, Sir, as the legitimate heir of the Bumbles. The inhabitants of this Arcade feel that their happiness is in your hands, typified by the staff' that you grasp between them.’ ” “ The Beadle was much moved by this touching proof of sympathy. His health is excellent.” u The Toy Shop. —The reception of his High Mightiness at the Toy Shop was admirable. Young girls belonging to the establishment, and dressed in Orleans cloth, came out to offer him a bouquet. The Beadle seemed to be greatly affected by this mark of confidence. His health continues excellent.” “ The Chxxa Warehouse. —His Highness has just drawn up at the cheap China Warehouse, where a sort of triumphal pile of breakfast cups, jars, vases, and other objects of industry, has been raised to do him honour. The Beadle inspected the pile with much interest,and astonished all present by his sage remarks on the mode in which the china ware had been heaped up. His observations struck every one with the conviction of his being a first-rate engineer, and he left amid a perfect storm of enthusiastic cries of Vive Bumble 2. His health continues excellent.”

“Jewellery Mart. —His High and Mightiness is now at the Jewellery Mart, where the same enthusiasm follows him. He has just recognised an old officer of the sheriff, who served under the Beadledom of his uncle. He has given the officer three pieces of copper amid frantic shouts, five million times repeated, of Vive Bumble 2. His health is excellent.” “Half-past 6—The Beadle has just returned from a visit to the desk and tea cadfl\ showroom of the locality. At every turn he was met by young girls, many of whom offered him bouquets. He afterwards visited the stock and -collar establishment, where he passed under an incription ( To the Preserver of the Arcade and of family Ties ’ worked in silk cravats, stocks, and handderciiiefs. His Highness has just started for the toy bazaar, where he has promised to accept the bull—a large foot-ball —prepared in his honour.” It will be seen from the proceeding reports that the Hereditary Beadledom is only a question of time; aud indeed it would have been declared long since but for the jealousy ot neighbouring powers. The Police Inspector on the beat adjoining, though he takes no step to prevent what is going on, is evidently no indifferent spectator of the events in progress. Should tire independence of the Savoy be threatened, the chief of that limited Beadledom will, no doubt, have the sympathy and assistance that may be required for preserving his authority, and keeping up the proper balance ot power.