atiously, if not in sackcloth and ashes. But he was
greeted with a howling and shouting more suitable to the reception
of some notorious bush-ranger recently captured. Many, in common
with myself, considered the ovation out of place and character;
while others, and apparently the more numerous party, were of a
different opinion. Perhaps it was well meant, and chacun a son
gout. Public enthusiasm is not always gaugeable by the standard of
reason or good taste. The following account was printed:--

From about five o'clock, groups of persons anxious to welcome
back the first who had crossed and re-crossed the Australian
continent began to pour into the station, and its vicinity was so
crowded with cars and spectators that it was impossible to reach
the entrance. The arrival of the train was hailed with vociferous
cheering. The carriage in which King was a passenger was at once
recognized by its being decorated with flags. Such was the "rush"
to see King that it was some time before the porters could reach
the carriage door, and when they had reached it they experienced
considerable difficulty in getting the door opened. Dr. Gilbee, who
was accompanied by Dr. Macadam, was in attendance with his private
carriage to convey King as quietly as possible to the Royal
Institute, where the Exploration Committee and a numerous
assemblage of ladies and gentlemen were in waiting to see him.
Those gentlemen, however, were unable to reach the carriage; and
Dr. Wills, who was fortunately opposite the door, seeing that it
was impossible for the arrangements to be carried out, immediately
conveyed King to an open car and drove off. Dr. Gillbee and Dr.
Macadam, with King's sister, immediately followed. The cars were
then rushed; and cars, buggies, horses, and pedestrians raced along
Collins Street to William Street, and thence to Government House. A
great many were, of course, disappointed by this alteration, as it
was generally expected that King would be received by His
Excellency and the Committee at the Royal Institute, and therefore
drove along the streets that were likely to facilitate their
reaching the institution before King's arrival. On reaching
Government House, King was assisted up stairs, for though he looked
very healthy and robust; he was scarcely able to stand. He was
taken into the room adjoining the Chief Secretary's office, where
he was shortly afterwards joined by his sister. Their meeting was,
of course, strictly pri