While we're on the subject of Parliamentary maces, my favourite historical tidbit involving them comes from Melbourne, where I hail from... 
In October 1891, the Parliament of the colony of Victoria closed up after a long day of legislating. The mace was duly put into its case and locked tight.
The next day, it was gone! Although the case remained locked, there was no sign of the mace...
The next day, it was gone! Although the case remained locked, there was no sign of the mace...
To this day, Victoria's Parliamentary mace has not been seen again. A spare was pulled out of storage, and investigations duly carried out, although to no effect.
In time, however, an explanation emerged...
In time, however, an explanation emerged...
The story came out that a group of MPs had nicked it after a hard day's legislating, and had taken it just down Little Lonsdale Street to the brothel of 'Madame Brussels', where it had been used as part of a sexy party...
...and the next morning, realising what they had done, the MPs threw the mace into the Yarra River, where it became covered in silt and mud.
Goddamn I miss Melbourne sometimes!
Goddamn I miss Melbourne sometimes!
