ul. Rough old Seddon of New Zealand might be reckoned
as his closest rival. As a lawyer he was sound as a bell, a most eminent
draftsman, and a mighty quick worker when he liked, though he was not a
model of industry. As a sergeant he was tip-top. B Company was the best
company in the regiment; he seldom missed a parade. As a "sport" he was
loved by old and young. They spoke of him as "Good old Charlie."

General Downes, when leaving, made up his mind to recommend to the
Government to secure the services of another Imperial officer on the
active list to succeed him who should take over the command before the
actual date of his own retirement. Personally I must say I was rather
surprised at the general's action, for by this time I had full confidence
that I could carry out the duties myself. I had not by any means wasted
all my time during my leave two years before; I had got much information.
Then I had been instrumental in obtaining for him his second term of
command, notwithstanding that he had retired from the active list himself
when he had taken up the duties of secretary to Sir Frederick Sargood. So
I had hoped that, while he might express his opinion to the Government,
he would not insist on it too much. I must admit that he was quite frank
with me as to the attitude he was taking up. His argument was to this
effect. It had been found necessary before to supersede local officers.
"Surely," he said, "the same considerations that held good then hold good
now. I do not say that you are not qualified to fill the position, but if
you are appointed it will form a precedent, and, on the expiry of the
terms of the engagements of the Imperial officers in the other colonies
the claims of local officers will again naturally be put forward. Then
good-bye to the system of obtaining the services of thoroughly
experienced officers who have no local interests and no axes to grind."
Meantime, the senior commanding officers of several branches of our
forces were, without my knowledge, beginning to interest themselves to
have me appointed as successor to the general.

To return to Sergeant Charles Cameron Kingston, let me tell of an
incident which may give you some insight into the personal character of a
remarkable man. It is one which, except for an accident, might have had
fatal results. Kingston was leading the Government at the time; Sir
Richard Baker of Morialta was President of the Upper House. Kingston had
introduced a Bill