On Thu, 1 Jan 2009 16:04:59 -0800 (PST), Matty F
wrote:

I'd use a chisel to make a 2"x2" hole in the newel. And put a screw
underneath the rail diagonally into the newel post.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mortise_and_tenon

I was always taught that it was a "mortice" rather than a "mortise",
and the reference to a "stub mortise" was to me a "stopped mortice".

--
Frank Erskine