e a warm place in our
hearts. We shall always take the keenest interest in its welfare,
and our earnest prayer will be for its continued advancement not
only in material progress, but in all that tends to make life noble
and happy."

The response of the press to this Message was pronounced and may be
represented by the statement of the Melbourne _Argus_ on June 29th, that
from first to last "the Australasian visit was a success, in every way
worthy of its statesmanlike conception and purpose." The Royal couple
came from King and Empire, and their mission was personally performed
with unique success. "Everywhere they were received with demonstrations
of delighted loyalty. They were living symbols of British unity. From
all they will take back a reciprocal message to King and Empire. There
is not a single blemish upon the record of the visit. Not one imprudent
word was spoken, not one slight left a stinging recollection."

Mauritius was reached on August 4th, and the brightly-decorated streets
of the capital were crowded with Creoles, Mohammedans, Hindoos, and
Chinese, while the French language was everywhere, and the English
tongue seldom heard. Tropical flowers and foliage were brilliant and
plentiful in the plans of decoration, and the streets were lined with a
combination of Bengal Infantry, Royal Artillery and Engineers. At
Government House the first investiture of knighthood in the Island's
history was held and various addresses received. The foundation-stone of
a statue of Queen Victoria was then laid, a procession of Hindoo and
Chinese children witnessed and a drive taken through the town. The next
four days were spent in strict privacy at the residence of Sir Charles
Bruce, the Governor, with the exception of a state dinner and Reception
on the first evening.

ROYAL RECEPTION IN SOUTH AFRICA

War-tossed South Africa was sighted on August 13th and the landing took
place at Durban, where the welcome was enthusiastic. There were many
arches and excellent decorations, eleven thousand singing children,
crowded streets and shouting spectators who included Zulus, Kaffirs of
all kinds, Indian coolies and the whole white population. In a Royal
pavilion, specially constructed, addresses were presented and answered,
and the train was taken to Pietermaritzburg after luncheon with the
Mayor and a distinguished gathering. A deputation of ladies had,
meanwhile, presented the Duchess with a table-gong m