Quest to Solve One of the Great Parliamentary Mysteries
Tanya Giles
Melbourne Herald Sun
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Melbourne (Australia):
The quest to solve one of the great parliamentary mysteries has begun.In 1891, a golden ceremonial mace was stolen from State Parliament.
It was last seen locked in a wooden box in the Speaker's office on October 9, 1891. And for 114 years the disappearance has intrigued police, politicians and historians. Some believe the mace was taken by ex-premier Thomas Bent and a bevy of "merry ladies" of the night who lost it at an East Melbourne brothel.
Parliamentary doorkeeper Thomas Jeffrey was also blamed for the theft as a desperate bid to feed his family. Others believe the culprit was a republican sympathiser. Speaker Judy Maddigan, as part of Parliament's 150th celebrations, has began a quest to find the missing mace. There is a $50,000 reward for its return.
Nov 15, 2005
Tanya Giles
Melbourne Herald Sun
_________________
Melbourne (Australia):
The quest to solve one of the great parliamentary mysteries has begun.In 1891, a golden ceremonial mace was stolen from State Parliament.
It was last seen locked in a wooden box in the Speaker's office on October 9, 1891. And for 114 years the disappearance has intrigued police, politicians and historians. Some believe the mace was taken by ex-premier Thomas Bent and a bevy of "merry ladies" of the night who lost it at an East Melbourne brothel.
Parliamentary doorkeeper Thomas Jeffrey was also blamed for the theft as a desperate bid to feed his family. Others believe the culprit was a republican sympathiser. Speaker Judy Maddigan, as part of Parliament's 150th celebrations, has began a quest to find the missing mace. There is a $50,000 reward for its return.
Nov 15, 2005
