Fanmaker's Turn

For two years handsome. 73-year-old Sir Stephen Henry Molyneux Killik. London Alderman, stockbroker, author and Past Master of the Worshipful Company of Fanmakers, has known that last week he would either be dead or Lord Mayor-elect of that square mile of London called "The City." By venerable tradition the Senior Alderman must be elected Lord Mayor, provided he has served one year as Sheriff of London.

For years, however, the Aldermanic candidates for Sheriff, prohibited by equally venerable tradition from campaigning for office, lost the election. In 1922 Stephen Killik, then neither knight nor Alderman, beat the Aldermanic candidate for the shrievalty. Five years later he was elected Alderman and started his climb to the top.

Last week, twelve years after being Sheriff, it was inevitably Sir Stephen's turn to be elected Lord Mayor of the City of London. "The City's" gloomy Guildhall was strewn with sweet herbs for the occasion. The Aldermen staggered under the tricornered hats and massive gold & black robes of their nominal office as Liverymen of the ancient London trade guilds. Each carried a nosegay. Trumpets blew. The Liverymen shouted their oft-rehearsed parts. Aldermen who had already been Lord Mayor were told to leave the Common Hall. Then the remaining members of the Grocers. Fishmongers, Butchers, Bakers, Waxchandlers, Armourers & Brasiers, Stationers, Bowyers, Coachmakers, and Glovers Guilds elected Sir Stephen of the Fanmakers' Company Lord Mayor for one year. A great ceremonial dinner will mark his inauguration next month.

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