the game with
you on the water." He was positively certain that they would all
be admirals in time. (Laughter.) That was if they only waited
long enough (cheers), and if they did not come across the
"villain of Durban" they would be all right. He wished them all
thundering good luck, and he was sure that every one of them
would grow younger, because he did not believe any naval man grew
older. When they got their feet on board again they would feel
like chickens. He hoped they would all see the dear old country
soon. (Applause.) If they did not see it soon they would see it
later on. (Laughter.) Now, if they came across an enemy at sea he
knew exactly what would happen, and what they would read in the
papers--that the enemy had gone to the bottom of the sea.
(Laughter.) He dared say the Navy would be able to respond to the
toast. He did not know their capacities for talking, but Jack was
never hard up for saying something when he was called upon to do
so. Again he wished them jolly good luck. (Cheers.)

All save the guests rose, and led by the Commandant's stentorian
voice, sang "They are Jolly Good Fellows."

Chief Petty Officer Munro returned thanks on behalf of his
comrades, and said that the reception had been quite unexpected.
They had had very hard times, and they had had very good times.
They had done what they did willingly--(applause)--and they were
ready to do the same thing again for Her Majesty and the Empire,
and also to uphold the good old name of the Navy. (Cheers.) He
advised the fellows to keep out of the clutches of the
Commandant, for from what he saw of him he thought it would be
better. (Laughter.) When nearly twelve months ago they landed at
Durban, the people were a bit more excited than they were to-day.

Lieutenant Halsey asked the men to drink to the Mayor and Council
of Durban. Everybody outside knew, he said, how kindly Durban was
looked upon. Durban was one of the best places in the
station--(applause)--and it was on account of the wonderful way
everything was managed by the Mayor and Council. (Cheers.)

The toast was pledged with enthusiasm, and the Mayor said they
were proud to have them here, and to entertain them.

The men then fell in again in Field Street, and marched off to
the Point, the Durban L