IT APPEARS that it has been the custom at Peterborough, since it first had a Mayor in 1874, for the National Anthem to be played as the Mayor and Corporation entered the Cathedral on State occasions. This year, however, in view of the visit of the newly-elected Mayor in November, the Dean notified the Corporation of his proposal to have the National Anthem sung after the service. The Corporation, however, protested on the ground that it was in accordance with the general usage of cathedrals to have it played as the civic authorities entered the church. The Dean agreed to question his fellow-deans, and learnt that the Peterborough usage was exceptional, the great majority of the cathedral and collegiate churches being against it. With this reference the Peterborough civic authorities were not content, and refused to abide by it, though it was made at their own suggestion. Thereupon the Dean said he would submit the question to the Lord Chamberlain. From that functionary it was ascertained that invariably, in the absence of the King in person, or of members of the Royal Family, the National Anthem comes at the end, not the beginning, of any service, function, or ceremony. From that ruling there is no appeal, and the Dean and Chapter had no option in the matter. We mention it because it is well that there should be a rule, and that the rule, once made known, should be followed punctiliously.
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