Hogg's Bay in the _Protector_
to wish them good speed. The Government issued invitations for this
historic trip. Then the news arrived that the troopships were timed to
reach Hogg's Bay at one o'clock in the morning. Fortunately the moon was
nearly at its full. The _Protector_, with its valuable cargo on board,
including myself, left Port Adelaide in the afternoon. The Government had
taken on board several tons of fruits then in season, as well as a
plentiful supply of fireworks. The worthy commander of the _Protector_
arranged the speed of the ship so as to reach Hogg's Bay just prior to
the hour at which the troopships were expected. It was a glorious night,
a calm sea. Presently the two white troopships loomed up in the offing,
entered the shelter of the bay, and dropped anchor. There were no gun
salutes, of course, but from the decks of the _Protector_ soared hundreds
of rockets. With bands playing the _Protector_ made a tour round the
anchored troopships. Cheers upon cheers rose from her decks, and, before
their echoes could be heard, a thousand voices on the troopships cheered
in response. Immense flares on shore lit up the sky, and the calm surface
of the sea seemed as if on fire. It was an inspiring sight, and one not
to be forgotten. The tour round the ships being concluded, boats were
lowered from the _Protector_ and visitors conveyed to the troopships.

Farewells took place. Though tempered by the personal regrets of those
who were being left behind, their good wishes for their more fortunate
comrades were genuine and straight from their hearts. One last toast,
"Her Majesty the Queen"; one last song, "Auld Lang Syne." Back to our
boats and on board the _Protector_. The noise of the windlasses weighing
the anchors was heard as the last of us reached the _Protector_'s decks.
The troopships' whistles resounded deep on the midnight air. The engines
pulsed; the troopships moved and gathered speed. The strains of "Rule
Britannia" filled our ears, then ceased, as the white ships, phantom-like
in the haze, gradually disappeared. We arrived back at Port Adelaide in
time for breakfast.

We will not follow the contingent's history and its doings in Egypt, but
I will quote a passage from Lord Wolseley's dispatch dated June 15,
1885:--

"The Contingent's work has been so satisfactory that I trust that
the noble and patriotic example set by New South Wales may, should
occasion arise, be followed by other colonies."