on of
the cadets.

After the distribution, the Prince of Wales, standing on the deck in the
uniform of a captain of the Royal Naval Reserve, said:--

"My Lords, Ladies, and Gentlemen,--Permit me to express to you
the great pleasure it has given the Princess to present the
cadets who are about to leave the _Britannia_ the prizes which
they have so successfully won, and to express to you on my own
part as well as on that of the Princess the very great pleasure
it has given us to be here to witness and take part in these
interesting proceedings. From Dr. Hirst we heard a most
interesting and exhaustive speech regarding the studies of the
cadets and their merits. I can only wish those who are about to
leave the _Britannia_, and who have now fairly entered that
noble service for which they have been trained, all possible
success. Let me hope that the tuition they have received here
will not be thrown away upon them, and that they may all emulate
those bright examples to be found in English history and of
which every naval officer must be proud. To those cadets who
still remain on board this ship I can only recommend strict
assiduity to their studies and strict obedience to discipline,
and all of them to try to pass out of the _Britannia_ as highly
as they can, remembering, above all, that saying which one of
our greatest admirals has handed down to posterity--'England
expects every man will do his duty.' A personal interest which
the Princess and myself take in this ship and the confidence we
have of its being an excellent practical school for boys have
been testified by the fact that we have sent our two sons among
you to be educated. For myself, my only hope and trust is that
they may do credit to the ship and to their country."

Mr. W. H. Smith, M.P., First Lord of the Admiralty, thanked their Royal
Highnesses for their welcome presence, and called upon the cadets to
give three cheers for the Prince and Princess of Wales. The cheers were
prolonged to three times three, caught up in row-boats around, and
echoed by the high banks of the Dart. The chief captains of the cadets,
who are mainly responsible for discipline and occupy a place of honour
in the ship's mess-room on the main deck, were presented to the Prince
and Princess, and the proceedings came to an end. Captain and Mrs.
Fairfax had the honour of entertainin