People We Hear About

New Zealand Tablet, 10 September 1908, Page 28

People We Hear About

-Mr. Winston Churchill tells an amusing story concerning an old man who happened to see a portrait of him in. a shop 'window. The old fellow was greatly .interested in the, picture, and asked a -"bystander who it was.. \ Oh, that's Winston Churchill,' was the reply. 'Where does he preach?' asked the old man suddenly. ' • Oh, he is not a preacher,* said the other ;-• he's a politician.' ,' A what? ' ' A politician-^-a member of Parliament.' The old man slowly shook Iris head, and . a look of pity came into his eyes. ' That's too bad! too bad! * he exclaimed, sadly. ' And he has such a good face,- too I ' -

Two ladieg. of noteworthy descent visited the Terrace of the House of Commons recently, when they were the guests . of 'Mr. William Redmond. These were Miss- Drummond and her sister, Mrs. Joseph Kay, the daughters of Mr. Thomas Drummond, the famous Under-Secretary for Ireland of earlier days. ' Mr. Drummond's administration was the most successful on record. In 1893, nearly half a century after his death, Mr. Drummonij's character was drawn in glowing colors r by Mr. Gladstone in one of the Home Rule debates. Drummond was not only a great public servant,but a great scientist, to whose genius' the Drummond light is due. He died in Dublin from exhaustion brought on by incessant work, and was buried, at his own request, in Dublin, where there is a magnificent statue to his memory. On July 17 in the Church 'of Our Lady of Victories, High street, Kensington, London, the marriage took, place of Miss Esther Redmond, eldest daughter of Mr. John Redmond, JM.P., to Dr. William J. Power, of New- York. -The Very Rev. Canon Fanning was the officiating clergyman. The Rev. Father Cox presided at the organ ', and . the church' was beautifully decorated with flowers. The bride was given away by her father, -and the bridesmaids were^two in number, Miss Joanna Redmond, sister of the bride, and Miss," Power, sister of the bridegroom. Dr.. James Power, _ New York, brother of the bridegroom, acted as best man. The wedding party attended Mass, at the conclusion of which Canon Fanning gave the Papal Benediction, specially sent by his Holiness. Arundei Castle, where the son and heir to the great historical Premier Dukedom was born, dates from the time of King Alfred. The ancient keep is of Saxon architecture, and a beautiful old Norman doorway marks the chief entrance.- It - has been stated that if the Duke of Norfolk were to break the entail and sell Arundei Castle to a millionaire, the purchaser would become Earl of Arundei by right of tenure. That, however, is a myth. In olden times there were peerages by- tenure, but such claims have not been recognized since the time 'of L Charles 11. If any purchaser "of Arundei Castle asked for"

_ summons to the House of Lords to sit as Earl of Arundei by - virtue of his ownership of the castle, it is fairly certain that such. a claim would be refused. Sir Robert Ball, who is one of the keenest supporters of the Daylight Bill which is creating so much attention at the moment, is not only one of our greatest astronomers, - but a delightful raconteur. He has had many amusing experiences, . but says that he never laughed. sd 'much as when an Irishman askod to see the moon through his telescope. Sir Robert explained that it was impossible to, see the moon just then, it , being broad daylight, but he would be very . pleased to give him a view if he came that night.- ' Indeed, an' -what's the good o'. that, at . all ?'- asked the Irishman in disgust. 'Sure, -7 an', at night it's meself that can see the moon without any telly scope.] Almost as good is" the story of the young lady 'who said how sorry she was that she 'could not attend one of Sir Robert's lectures. The astronomer remarked that he was afraid it would not hwe interested her much, as it was all - about sun spots. Then it would have interested "me greatly," she replied, « for between me and you, Sir Robert, I have been a' martyr to' freckles all my life!' .