CO129-143 - Sir MacDonnell - 1870 [1-2] — Page 50

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his Cabin. Thither they were accordingly conducted; the Honorable E. C. Yorke, and all the ward-room officers, and many from the gun-room also coming to show them objects of interest, not only in the Duke's private apart- ments, where they enjoyed a sight of many specimens of high art such as are rarely seen except in the Capitals of Europe, but all over the ship. A gun's crew was mustered, Lieutenant McHardy, the Gunnery Lieutenant, showing how the monster cannon were handled. After this, upon the suggestion of one, whose name should here find honour- able mention were it known, some liquor was poured on the delay; and libations of Moselle were offered between the after guns of the port broadside, on the main deck, not unto Bellona Bellatrix, but unto Bacchus. This pleasing rite performed, and while yet invitations to a repetition were being refused, the Captain of the Galatea descended, courteously turning and bowing to all, an honest smile mantling his face. After a short interval, the ship masters were summoned to their Levée, and each handing his card to the Equerry in attendance was presented on entering the cabin to His Royal Highness. The introductions over, and a few prefatory words from the Secretary of the Committee said, the Master who filled that capacity, sup- ported by the Chairman and Vice-chairman of Committee, read the Address to the Master of the Trinity Corpora- tion in the person of the Captain of the Galatea, His Royal Highness Alfred, Duke of Edinburgh. To speak of its presentation and not mention the pleasure of the recipient would be a simple disloyalty to truth and to the Wor- shipful Master, whose tones and demeanour, as he read his reply, both demonstrated that he was not engaged in a bit of conventionality, but that he was meeting seamen as a seaman. When his reply was concluded, in a few simple words he apologized for the delay which had occurred, alleging the cause, a Court Martial; to which the Secre-

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tary replied that 'duty was before all,' and they had profited in his absence by the courtesy of their many ad-interim hosts."

"For the first time since the Galatea had left the shores of England, the Trinity Flag was displayed at the main, nor were the Officers of the Golatea slow to point it out to the Masters assembled. Many nationalities were repre- sented on the occasion; it was a genuine enthusiasm born of the brine and the breeze, and it is highly satisfactory to know that amongst the squadron His Royal Highness has often spoken of the event as one that was most gratifying to him as the Master of the Trinity House, and that he shewed his appreciation of the event by ordering the Trinity Flag

to be displayed at the fore on the day of his departure."

In addition to the Cricket Match, which was not concluded until this day, a Match at Bowls was played this afternoon at the Oriental Bowling Alley, which had been specially engaged by the Committee of the Hongkong Club during the Prince's visit, between Eight of the Galatea and Eight of the Club, which resulted in a victory for our gallant guests. His Royal Highness headed the Naval side, and "played throughout," says a reporter, "with that spirit and enthusiasm which he appears to carry with him in whatever he undertakes." The total score in the two games played, was as follows:

Galatea,. Club,

.3,966 ..3,882

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In the evening, Commodore Oliver Jones entertained

at dinner on board the Princess Charlotte His Royal High- ness, His Excellency the Governor, Vice-Admiral Sir Henry Kellett, and a numerous party.

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