at was at the time called "the Ministry of all the
Talents." The Premier of practically every State was included. Then came
March 1, 1901, when the actual constitutional functions of the
Commonwealth started. For some time previously, in fact even before the
Act had received Royal assent, the question who was to hold the
all-important appointment of Governor-General had been exercising the
public mind. In Australia itself there seemed to be only one opinion. The
Earl of Hopetoun was easily favourite.

It may be safely said that no Governor of any of the Australian colonies
up to that time had so successfully represented the Throne. Those who
were in Melbourne on his arrival when he became Governor of Victoria well
remember a man of somewhat light build, middle height, pale,
clean-shaven, youthful in appearance. A few minutes' conversation with
him satisfied one of his affable ways and genial disposition. There was
nothing hard in his features, but the lines about the lower part of his
face would set firmly and resolutely when required, while his eyes, when
looking at you straight in the face, left no doubt of his strength of
character. A man of parts, a keen sportsman and a reliable personal
friend. From the very first day of his arrival both his charming countess
and himself won the hearts of the people. One may almost say that it was
love at first sight, if this phrase can be applied to popular feeling.
The outward signs of the approval spontaneously given to the appointment
ripened during his term of office into personal affection, which was
returned by both the holders of the high office, and became deeper with
each year of their stay in Melbourne. The sister colonies were not slow
in appreciating the good opinion formed of him by the Victorians.
Whenever he visited the neighbouring Governors he received splendid
welcome. When his term of office expired and he returned home he carried
with him the good wishes of all. It is not to be wondered at, therefore,
that his appointment as the first Governor-General was looked upon as a
most desirable one.

The Government had decided that the Governor-General's first landing in
Australia should be at the capital of the Mother Colony, New South Wales,
and it had been arranged that the then flagship of the naval squadron in
Australia, the _Orlando_, should meet the mail steamer on which Their
Excellencies were travelling, at Adelaide, and convey them to Sydney
Harbour. I remem