CHAPTER 6.

PUBLIC RECEPTIONS AT ADELAIDE AND PERTH.

Procession and Banquet at Adelaide.

Arrival in Western Australia.

Banquet and Ball at Perth.

Results of Exploration.

We reached Beltana on the 18th, where we were joined by Mr. Henry Gosse,

brother and companion of the explorer, and arrived at Jamestown on the

28th of October. This was the first township on the route, and the

inhabitants, although somewhat taken by surprise by our appearance, would

not let the opportunity pass for giving us a warm welcome. On the

following morning there was a good muster of the principal residents at

Jureit's Hotel, and an address was presented to me. Our healths were then

drunk and duly responded to, and we had every reason to be highly

gratified with our first formal reception.

BURRA BURRA AND GAWLER.

The next day we reached Kooringa, on the Burra, and there too our arrival

excited considerable enthusiasm, and we were invited to a complimentary

dinner at the Burra Hotel Assembly Rooms, Mr. Philip Lane, the Chairman

of the District Council, presiding. An address was presented, and, my

health having been proposed by Mr. W.H. Rosoman, Manager of the National

Bank, in replying, I took the opportunity of expressing my thanks to my

associates in the expedition for their unfailing co-operation under

occasionally great difficulties and privations.

On Saturday, the 31st, having witnessed a cricket-match at Farrell's

Flat, we visited the Burra Burra Mines, and there we received an address

from the manager, accountant, captain, chief engineer, and storekeeper.

We remained at Burra the next day (Sunday), and on Monday morning started

by train for Salisbury with our fifteen horses in horse-boxes. Eleven of

these were the survivors of the expedition, and we were desirous that our

faithful and hard-worked four-footed companions should have their share

of the attention of our South Australian friends. At Gawler we were

received by a crowd of people, and flags were flying to do us honour. The

Town Clerk and a considerable number of the principal residents were

waiting for us in an open space near the railway station, and presented

an address on behalf of the municipality. We were then invited to a

luncheon at the Criterion Hotel, the chair being filled, in the absence

of the Mayor, who was unwell, by Mr. James Morton. Here again I was

called on to respond for my health being proposed; but I need not weary

the reader by endeavouring to repeat all I said upon that and other

similar occasions. I acknowledged and deeply felt the personal kindness

of the receptions my party had experienced; and I fully shared with those

who signed the addresses I received, or proposed my health at dinners,

the hearty desire that the successful issue of my expedition might be the

means of uniting still more closely the two colonies in bonds of mutual

good-feeling and sympathy. I had been similarly welcomed at Gawler and

other places in South Australia on the occasion of my previous visit, and

I was, I trust, not unjustifiably proud and pleased that my old friends

had recognized my recent services.

RECEPTION AT SALISBURY.

At Salisbury, which we reached on the 2nd of November, a very hearty

reception awaited us, and we were entertained at a dinner given at the

Salisbury Hotel under the presidency of the Reverend J.R. Ferguson. After

dinner the chairman read a brief address, signed by the Chairman of the

District Council; and as the speeches referred not only to my own

expedition, but were interesting in relation to other explorations and

the method of conducting them, I may be pardoned for quoting a portion of

the report of the proceedings which appeared in the local newspapers:--

The Chairman then said he wished to express the great pleasure it was to

him to meet Mr. Forrest, his brother, and party, after their triumphant

accomplishment of the daring and arduous undertaking of crossing from the

Australian shores of the Indian Ocean to the very interior of South

Australia. We at all times felt constrained to value and honour men who

in any way contributed to the progress and welfare of mankind. We

esteemed those men whose lives were devoted to the explorations of

science, and whose discoveries were rendered serviceable to the comfort

and advancement of the race; and what were the achievements of travellers

but contributions to the advancement and welfare of the

race--contributions in which were involved the most magnificent heroism

in penetrating the regions which had hitherto been untrodden by the foot

of the white man? They obtained their contributions to the advancement

and welfare of men by the manifestation of high moral endurance, which

enabled them to submit to privations and discomforts of the most trying

character; while withal they showed dauntless courage in going forward

and meeting dangers of every possible kind, even to the loss of life

itself. He was disposed to rank the achievements of their guests with

those of the foremost of travellers of whom we read. He had sat enchanted

with the perusal of the travels of John Franklin in the Arctic Regions;

and, by the way, John Franklin accompanied Captain Flinders in his

expedition in the year 1800, which was sent out for the purpose of

surveying the south coast of Australia. He had perused with intense

interest the travels of Samuel Baker in the interior of Africa along the

source of that wondrous Nile, as also those of Speke, Grant, Stanley, and

that prince of men, the late Dr. Livingstone; and the name of their guest

was entitled to rank along with such. (Cheers.) Let now our stockholders

and men of capital take advantage of Mr. Forrest's explorations--let his

well-earned honours be bestowed upon him--and let all representatives of

intelligence and enterprise hail him. We who were here as Australians

were proud of him and rejoiced over him, and would seek to send him back

to his own home with our loud plaudits and our heartiest gratitude.

The Vice-Chairman, in proposing The Health of Mr. John Forrest, the

Leader of the Expedition, said he was sure they were all extremely glad

to see Mr. Forrest and his party in their midst. When Mr. Forrest was

amongst them before they all thought he was a fine, jolly young fellow,

and thought none the less of him on that occasion. (Applause.) At any

rate, he was stouter than when he appeared on his first visit. He thought

the country would feel grateful to Mr. Forrest and his companions for the

benefits which would result from their achievement. (Applause.)

Mr. John Forrest, who was received with loud cheers, said he thanked them

very heartily for the enthusiastic way in which they had drunk his

health, and for the very handsome address they had presented to him. He

felt altogether unable to respond in the way he could wish to the many

remarks that had been made by their worthy chairman. If he could only

make himself believe that he was worthy of being placed in the rank of

the men whom he had mentioned, he certainly would feel very proud indeed.

It had always given him the greatest pleasure to read the accounts of the

travels of these great men. He remembered being closely connected with

Captain Flinders's researches upon the south coast of Australia, and,

after his journey from Perth to Eucla, Mr. Eyre, the late Governor of

Jamaica, wrote to him that he risked his life upon the accuracy of

Captain Flinders's observations, and in no case had he the least cause to

regret it. Exploration in other parts of the world, as in Africa, was

carried on in a very different style to the exploration in Australia.

Even in the early times, exploration here was carried on in a very

different way to what it was at the present time. Large equipages, many

waggons, and that sort of thing were used in the time of Captain Sturt

and other early explorers, until Mr. Eyre took a light equipment, with

very few horses and very few men. Since then the work had had to be done

with very light turn-outs. In Western Australia a good deal of

exploration was done before his time, and expeditions had been very

common. They generally cost very little indeed. The horses were generally

given by the settlers, the Government contributed a few hundred pounds,

and young settlers volunteered for the service. The cost was sometimes

400 or 500 pounds; and upon his expedition, up to the time they left the

settled districts of Western Australia, they had only spent about 330

pounds. He did not know that he could say anything more. He had spoken

several times on his journey down, and it seemed to him that he had said

the same thing over and over again. His forte was not in public speaking,

but he hoped they would take the will for the deed. They never could

forget the very kind and hearty reception they had received in every

place they had visited in South Australia. (Cheers.)

The Reverend J.G. Wright proposed The health of Mr. Alexander Forrest and

the remainder of the Party. He remarked that they had heard a great deal

about Mr. Forrest, the leader of the party, and whilst he had manifested

a great deal of courage and perseverance, and they all felt indebted to

him as the leader of the party, yet there was much praise due to his

brother and the rest of his companions. He was gratified at having the

opportunity of meeting them before they went down to the metropolis, and

he was sure it was no small matter to Salisbury to have such a band

remaining with them for a short time. It would be a source of pleasure to

colonists generally to see them, and he trusted that the work which had

been so nobly performed, and what had followed after it, would tend to

link the colonies more closely together. He was glad to see that original

holders of the land in their western colony--the natives--had been

employed in the work of exploration and opening up the country. (Hear,

hear.) They were expected to do honour to generals and warriors who had

distinguished themselves and placed their names high on the roll of fame,

but he thought that such could not claim greater honours than the

explorer. His work was not one of bloodshed, but one which was undertaken

in the interests and for the benefit of humanity. Civilization,

agriculture, art, and science followed the explorations of those noble

men who had taken their lives in their hands and faced difficulties and

dangers for the advancement of their fellow-men. He proposed with the

heartiest feelings the toast of Mr. Alexander Forrest and his companions.

The toast was very cordially drunk.

Mr. Alex. Forrest, on rising to respond, was greeted with hearty and

continued cheering. He said he thanked the company most heartily for the

manner in which they had drunk his health and that of his companions. He

could assure them they felt highly flattered at the reception which had

been accorded them. It was more than they expected. When here four years

ago, it was on a small trip compared with what they had accomplished this

time. It would not be necessary for him to go over the same ground that

his brother had remarked upon--in fact, his brother had quite taken the

wind out of his sails; and public speaking certainly not being his forte,

although he was quite at home round the camp-fire, he must ask them to

excuse him making a lengthy speech. He could assure them they all thanked

them very sincerely for their kindness, and deeply appreciated the honour

which had been done them. (Cheers.)

Tommy Pierre, one of the aboriginals attached to the expedition, being

called upon to respond, after some hesitation, said, "Well, gentlemen, I

am not in good humour to-night. (Laughter.) I am very glad I got through.

We got a capital gaffer that leaded us through; but it wasn't him that

got us through, it isn't ourselves, but God who brought us through the

place, and we ought to be very thankful to God for getting us through.

(Laughter and cheers.) I am not in good humour to-night to speak

(laughter), but I will speak when I get in Adelaide." (Prolonged

cheering.)

Tommy Windich, the other aboriginal attached to the expedition, was also

asked to respond, but he could not muster courage enough to do so.

WELCOME AT ADELAIDE.

The preparations for our reception at Adelaide were most elaborate. It

seems to have been resolved that the capital of South Australia should

appear as the representative of the satisfaction felt throughout the

colony at the successful completion of an adventure, the result of which

was so deeply interesting, and which had been several times attempted by

explorers, not less ardent and determined, but less fortunate than

ourselves. At an early hour on the morning of the 3rd of November, on

which day it was known our party would arrive, the streets through which

we were to pass were thronged with thousands eager to bid us welcome. Not

only the city itself, but the suburban districts contributed to swell the

crowd. Balconies and housetops were thronged, and all along the line of

route were flags and decorations of flowers and evergreens, streamers

with inscriptions of welcome, and arches adorned with large pictures

representing incidents of bush life. The bells, too, rang out merry

peals, and the day was observed as a general holiday at Adelaide.

We left Salisbury at twelve o'clock, escorted by a considerable number of

the inhabitants. Before reaching Adelaide we were met by carriages

containing the Mayors of Adelaide, Port Adelaide, Kensington, and

Norwood, the town clerks, and members of the different corporations. A

very interesting and characteristic compliment was paid to us by the

presence of members of various exploring expeditions, who, from their own

experience, could best estimate the value of the results we had achieved,

and the difficulties we had encountered. Following the official

personages, on horseback, was Mr. John Chambers, who, with his brother,

the late Mr. James Chambers, and the late Mr. Finke, sent out in 1860 the

parties under the leadership of the intrepid Mr. John McDouall Stuart, to

explore the interior lying between South Australia and the northern

shores of the continent. Three members of this party--Messrs. A.J.

Lawrence, D. Thompson, and John Wall--followed on horseback, carrying

standards marked with the dates January, 1862, and July 25, 1862, when

Stuart departed from Adelaide, and when he planted his flag on the

northern shores. Then came representatives of the various exploring

parties--Messrs. F.G. Waterhouse, F. Thring, W.P. Auld, S. King, J.W.

Billiatt, and H. Nash, of Stuart's party; Mr. R.E. Warburton, Mr. Dennis

White, and Charley, the native boy, of Colonel Warburton's expedition;

Mr. William Gosse (leader), and Mr. Harry Gosse, of the Gosse expedition;

and Mr. Ernest Giles, leader of the Giles expedition.

The reception committee and representatives of the Oddfellows, Foresters,

Druids, Rechabites, Good Templars, German, and other friendly societies,

followed, after which came our party. We wore the rough, weather-beaten,

and, it may be added, shockingly dilapidated garments in which we had

been clothed during our expedition, and were mounted on the horses which

had served us so well. It was wished that we should represent to the

Adelaide public, as realistically as we could, the actual appearance of

our party while engaged on the long journey, so we slung our rifles at

our sides, and each of us led a pack-horse carrying the kegs we had used

for the conveyance of water. In one respect, no doubt, we failed to

realize adequately the appearance of our party when struggling through

the spinifex desert, or anxiously searching for rock holes and springs.

The month of great hospitality we had experienced since reaching Peake

station had considerably improved our own personal appearance, and the

horses were very unlike the wretched, half-dying animals we had such

difficulty to keep alive and moving. After us came, in long procession,

bands of music, and the members of the various orders, the German Club,

the Bushmen's Club, and a goodly number of horsemen and carriages. The

bands played inspiring strains, the crowd shouted and cheered, and my

brother and I were perpetually bowing acknowledgments. As for the two

natives, Tommy Windich and Tommy Pierre, they appeared to be perfectly

amazed by the novelty of the spectacle, and the enthusiasm of the vast

throng which lined the streets.

On our arrival at the town hall we were received by the Ministry, the

Honourable W. Milne (President of the Legislative Council), Sir G.S.

Kingston (the Speaker), several members of both Houses of Parliament, and

other gentlemen. Having alighted, we were conducted to a platform, and

addresses were presented to us by the Mayor, on behalf of the citizens of

Adelaide; from the Odd Fellows, the Foresters, the Rechabites, the Good

Templars, and four German societies. In replying to these I did my best,

but very inadequately, to express my feelings of gratitude for the

reception we had met with, and of thanks for the generous manner in which

our endeavours to successfully perform an arduous task had been

recognized. The Mayors of Kensington, Norwood, and Port Adelaide, also

offered a few words of congratulation to our party.

By particular request, we showed ourselves on the balcony, and bowed our

acknowledgments for the very hearty welcome we received. Then we

remounted our horses, and took them to the police paddocks, after which

my brother and I were introduced to the Adelaide Club.

I have mentioned that several distinguished Australian explorers took

part in the reception, and I may add that among them were the whole of

Stuart's last party, except the gallant leader and Mr. Kekwick, who were

dead, Mr. Few, who was in a distant part of the colony, and the farrier,

who had gone no one knew whither. It was also appropriate to the occasion

that two horses, who were memorably connected with explorations, should

be associated with the animals who had served one so well. The horse

which had carried poor Burke on his ill-fated expedition from Melbourne

was ridden by Mr. F.G. Waterhouse, and Mr. F. Thring was mounted on a

horse which had crossed the continent with Stuart.

BANQUET AT THE TOWN HALL.

In the evening we were entertained at a banquet in the town hall, the

chair being occupied by the Honourable Arthur Blyth, the Premier of the

colony. The proceedings were fully reported in the newspapers on the

following day; and as so many explorers were present, and addressed the

company, I may be permitted, apart from personal considerations, to quote

the principal speeches delivered on the occasion.

The chairman rose to propose the toast of the evening, and was received

with cheers. He said, "I think, for the last two or three days, that

there has been a general feeling that South Australians were not very

good at receptions and getting up processions; but at all events to-day

we have showed that we can manage such things as well as people of more

importance probably than ourselves--at all events quite as well as

countries much more thickly populated than our own. (Cheers.) We have all

of us read something about the old Roman triumphs--how the conquerors,

when they went forth and were successful, were granted a triumph, and in

this triumph were accompanied by the most beautiful of their captives,

and the most wonderful and singular of the animals they had taken, and

passed through the cities of which they were citizens, and received the

plaudits of their inhabitants. To-day we have granted a triumph, not to a

warrior who has killed thousands of his fellows, or added much to the

landed property of the country, but to one who has been a warrior

nevertheless, fighting many difficulties that many warriors had not to

contend with, and carrying his life in his hands, as warriors have done

of old, in leading those who are associated with him in the triumph here

to-day. (Cheers.) There was no beautiful captive in his train, and no

curious animals, as in the old Roman triumphs. All that we saw were some

dusty pack-horses, and some well-worn packsaddles; yet with these the

explorer has to proceed on his journey, and conquer the difficulties of

the desert, knowing that with such slender things to rely upon he must

hope to overcome the dangers, and endure to the end. (Cheers.) Gentlemen,

in the page of Australian Exploration, which is the sentiment attached to

my toast--in its pages there are to be read too many tragic stories. We

cannot think of the history of exploration without thinking with regret

of some of the names connected with it. What an extraordinary page is

that of Leichardt, of whom it has been said no man

'--knows his place of rest

Far in the cedar shade.'

"And yet so great is the interest which is taken in his fate that the

wildest stories of a convict in the gaols of a neighbouring colony have

been of interest to us, and have caused some of our fellow Australians to

send out a party to see if something could not still be heard of that

explorer. Then think of Burke and Wills, and what a tragic tale was

theirs--so nearly saved, so closely arrived to a place of safety, and yet

to miss it after all! I daresay there are hundreds here who, like myself,

saw their remains taken through our streets in the gloomy hearse on the

road to that colony which they had served so well; and we know that now

the country where they laid down their lives is brought under the hand of

pastoral settlement. They were the heroes of other lands; but have we not

heroes also of our own? (Loud cheering.) Have we not here the likeness of

a man who knew not what fear was, because he never saw fear who carried

out the thorough principle of the Briton in that he always persevered to

the end? And then, coming nearer to our own time, speaking by weeks and

months, had we not our opportunity of entertaining in the city the leader

of an expedition that successfully passed its way through the desert to

the shores of Western Australia? I refer to Colonel Warburton. When

speaking, upon that occasion, of the noble way in which the people of

Western Australia had received our explorer, I ventured to hope that

before many months we should have an opportunity of welcoming some

explorer from that colony. Gentlemen, the hour has come, and the man.

(Loud cheering.) For West Australia, though the least of the colonies in

population, has its exploring heroes too. (Cheers.) I have no doubt you

have read, within the last few days, all about the battle that Mr.

Forrest has had to fight with the spinifex desert, with unknown regions,

and hostile natives. While giving all praise to those Australian

explorers connected with this Australian Empire that is to be, I ask you

to join with me in drinking the health of the last and not the least, and

I now give you the toast of Australian Exploration, coupled with the name

of Mr. John Forrest." (Cheers.)

The toast was enthusiastically received, and three hearty cheers given.

Band: The Song of Australia.

Mr. John Forrest, who was received with loud cheers, said, "Mr. Chairman

and Gentlemen, I feel very proud that my name should be coupled with the

toast of Australian Exploration. I assure you I feel altogether unequal

to the toast so aptly proposed by our worthy chairman, my forte not being

public speaking; still, I will try to do as well as I can. (Cheers.)

Since I arrived at years of discretion, I have always taken a very deep

interest in exploration, and for the last five years I have been what is

generally termed in Western Australia The Young Explorer, as I have

conducted all the explorations that have been undertaken by our

Government. In the year 1869 I was instructed to accompany an expedition

as navigator, which was intended to be commanded by Dr. Mueller, of

Melbourne, to search for the remains of the late Dr. Leichardt, who

started from near Moreton Bay in 1848, I think. Dr. Mueller not having

arrived to take command as was anticipated, and the expedition having

been got ready, I was deputed to the command, and we went out about 500

miles to the eastward of the settled districts of our colony, in order to

find out whether the statements of the natives relative to the existence

of white men or their remains in the locality were correct or not. We

were out about five months. Although we did not suffer very much, as we

had sufficient water and sufficient provisions, still it was a very dry

season. We came back and settled that there were no remains--that, in

fact, the reports of the natives were unfounded, and that they referred

to the remains of horses lost by an explorer of our colony, Mr. Austin,

not many miles to the eastward. This was the first attempt at exploration

I had made, and, although I had been brought up to bush life, I knew very

little about exploration, as I found when I went out. I was made aware of

many things that I did not know about before, and I must say that I was a

much better second than a commander. After this I undertook to conduct an

exploration north-east from our colony to Sturt's Creek, where Mr. A.

Gregory came down about 1855, and down the Victoria River. This fell to

the ground; but our present Governor, Mr. Weld, had a great idea that we

should organize an expedition to come to this colony overland along the

coast--along the course which was previously taken by Mr. Eyre, I think

in 1841--and he requested me to take command. Of course I readily

acquiesced in his suggestion, and in 1870 we started on our journey; and

although we did not experience the difficulties Mr. Eyre experienced,

still we had some little difficulty, and we would have had a great deal

more, I have no doubt, if we had not had Mr. Eyre's experience to guide

us. Many people--in our colony, I mean--thought it was a very little

thing indeed we had done, as we had only travelled along another man's

tracks, although they gave us a very hearty and enthusiastic reception.

We reported that there was good country along the coast, and I am glad to

say that in the course of a year a telegraph line will be run across the

route we travelled. (Cheers.) I hope it will tend to unite more closely

than they are at present united the whole of the Australian colonies, and

especially this colony with our own. (Cheers.) There is a very great deal

of good country inland from the south coast; and if only water can be

procured, I am quite certain it will be the finest pastoral district of

West Australia. (Hear, hear.) I have no doubt the establishment of

telegraphic communication will tend to the settlement of that part of the

country, and I am very glad indeed that the Government of South Australia

have acted so liberally as to join with our Government in erecting the

line. (Cheers.) After this my exploration experience still increased, and

I tried very hard to get up another expedition; but, not being a wealthy

man, I had to depend upon others. I often represented that I would like

to go, and people talked about the matter, and then I thought I would

make an offer to the Government, which they might accept or not as they

liked. We have the good fortune to have in our colony a Governor--who, I

am sorry to say, is leaving shortly--who takes a great interest in

exploration. He had been an explorer himself, having, as he has often

told me, travelled across New Zealand with his swag on his back.

(Cheers.) He has always been a great supporter of mine, and done all he

could to forward exploration; and about two years ago I laid before him,

through the Commissioner of Crown Lands, a project which I was willing to

accomplish if he would recommend the granting of the necessary funds. In

a very complimentary reply he quite acquiesced with what I suggested, and

promised to lay it before the Legislative Council with the support of the

Government; and in 1873 the matter was brought before the Council. All I

asked was that the Government of West Australia would grant me some 400

pounds, and I would from my own private purse, and those of others who

had agreed to assist me, stand the remainder of the cost. (Cheers.) If

they granted me that sum, I was willing to undertake an exploration from

Champion Bay up to the Murchison, the head of which we did not know, and

strike the telegraph line for Port Darwin, it being left to my discretion

which course should be pursued. Four hundred pounds seems a paltry sum,

but there was some bitter opposition to its being granted, although by

the aid of the Government and other members it was voted. Last year was

the year when I should have undertaken the exploration, and I was, of

course, quite prepared to do so; but in the meantime a whole host of

expeditions from South Australia had come into the field. Mr. Giles, I

saw, had started from some part of the telegraph line westward, and I

heard afterwards that he had through some misunderstanding--I do not know

what it was; I only know by what I read in the papers--returned to

Adelaide. Then we heard that the South Australian Government had

despatched Mr. Gosse, and that the Honourable Thomas Elder--whom I have

the pleasure of meeting to-day--had despatched Colonel Warburton

(cheers)--to explore towards the same direction--as we judged from the

despatches and newspapers--that I intended to start from. I belong to the

Survey Department of West Australia, and was requested by the

Commissioner of Crown Lands and Surveyor-General, the Honourable Malcolm

Fraser, to superintend some surveys he specially wished undertaken that

season. I had an interview with the Governor, and he said very wisely he

did not wish to order me in any way; that it was no use running a race

with South Australia, and that as they were first in the field, although

we were the first to suggest the exploration, we should wait till the

next year, when, if the South Australian explorers were fortunate enough

to reach this colony, we should have no necessity to send an expedition,

and that if they did not, we should certainly profit by their experience.

I, being engaged in another service in which I took great interest, was

willing to wait for another year; and if, as Mr. Weld said, the South

Australians did not succeed, I would undertake it the next year, and

benefit by their experience. As it turned out, the expedition undertaken

by the Government, commanded by Mr. Gosse, did not succeed in reaching

the colony of Western Australia, and the expedition undertaken by Colonel

Warburton, under the auspices of my recent friend, the Honourable Thomas

Elder, reached our colony, but so far north that it did not add to the

knowledge of the route we had laid out for ourselves. He came out between

the 20th and 22nd degrees of latitude, whereas we started from the 26th,

and did not intend to go more north than that. After we heard--his

Excellency the Governor was away on a visit to New Zealand at the

time--that Mr. Gosse had turned back, although he had succeeded in

reaching a very great distance from the telegraph line, I had

instructions from the Colonial Secretary to equip an expedition at once.

If Mr. Gosse had succeeded, I am sure I would not have been here to-day;

but, as he did not succeed, I had orders to equip an expedition, and as I

was starting news arrived from the north-west coast by a coaster that

Colonel Warburton and his party had arrived. (Cheers.) This, of course,

gave us very great pleasure, and steps were at once taken to give him a

reception in Perth. (Cheers.) As soon as we heard that he had arrived,

our whole colony rose up to give him a welcome; and although what we did

did not come up with what you have given to us to-day--for our colony is

only a small one, with little over 30,000 inhabitants--still I am sure

that Colonel Warburton told you it was a kind reception. (Cheers.) I am

sorry to say that I was not able to be present when he was received,

though I waited some time in order to have that opportunity. The

opportunities for transport from our north-west settlements to the

capital are very few at a certain time of the year, and that was the time

when Colonel Warburton arrived in our settlements; so that in a matter of

700 or 800 miles, from Nicol Bay to Perth, he delayed unfortunately three

or four months. It was a very great pity that he should have been delayed

so long. After receiving addresses at Roeburne and Fremantle, the colonel

arrived just in time to be forwarded 250 miles to catch the mail, and

therefore he had not time, I know, to receive the reception that would

have been given him by the people of West Australia had he remained in

our colony a little longer. (Cheers.) All I can say is, that though what

has been done for Colonel Warburton cannot compare with what has been

done for us to-day, it was done in the same spirit, and we did our best.

(Cheers.) I am sure that I would have been very much pleased to have met

Colonel Warburton here this evening; but I understand that he is gone

upon a tour to his native land, and so I am deprived of the opportunity.

I have, however, had the pleasure of meeting other explorers, and I must

congratulate South Australia upon possessing so many explorers. I had no

idea that she could assemble so many, and that so young a man as myself

should be able to meet so many, all young men. I have read a great deal

of early explorations, and could tell you a good deal about them; but I

have no doubt you are just as well acquainted with their histories as I

am. I have only gleaned their history from books written by able men on

exploration; and I therefore need say little upon that subject, and will

content myself with a short reference to explorations of recent date. I

have already referred to Colonel Warburton. Mr. Gosse's is of more recent

date. I have never been able to read his journal to this day; but I hope

to be able to do so now. Through the kindness of Mr. Phillipson, of

Beltana, I was able to see his map of the country he passed over, with

which I am very well pleased; and, in spite of what some people have

said, I think that Mr. Gosse's exploration will be found of considerable

benefit to the colony, and that his action was one for which he deserved

very much credit. He travelled for some time in bad country, but, going

on, he got into good country; and that which he has described as the

Musgrave and Mann and Tomkinson Ranges I hope to see next year stocked

with South Australian sheep and cattle. (Cheers.) The country which Mr.

Gosse found is country abounding with any quantity of grass, with many

springs; and there are, perhaps, many more than I saw, for I kept along

Mr. Gosse's track; but I will say that I always found water where he said

that it would be found. (Cheers.) There is but one fault that I have to

find with him, and that is, that he did not say that water would be found

where I sometimes found it; but doubtless this arose from a very laudable

caution in an explorer, for had he stated that water would be found where

it failed it might have cost men their lives. One place he marked

springs, and if he had been mistaken there, we would have lost our lives;

but I am glad to say that we found there a very good spring indeed,

(cheers) enough to last all the sheep of South Australia, or at any rate

a good spring; and I am glad on this occasion to be able to thank him for

being so careful to mark permanent water where permanent water really

existed. Mr. Giles's exploration would have been as useful to me as Mr.

Gosse's, but unfortunately he did not return before I left the settled

districts of West Australia, and therefore I did not benefit by his work.

I am sure that my companions and myself feel very much the hearty

reception you have given us on this occasion. I cannot find words to

express my feelings on that point at all. I feel very deeply thankful,

and that is about all that I can say. (Loud cheers.) Six weary

travellers, travelling through the spinifex desert with about fifteen or

sixteen nearly knocked-up horses, not knowing whether they should find

water, or whether their lives were safe or not, I am sure that we could

not imagine that, after all our travels were over, we should receive such

a reception as we have received to-day. (Cheers.) I am sure that if any

stimulus is required to induce persons to become explorers, those who

witness our reception to-day ought to feel content. I am very proud of

the hearty and enthusiastic reception my companions and myself have met

with. I hope you will take the will for the deed, and in the absence of

better speaking on my part, consider that we are deeply thankful." (Loud

cheers.)

Sir H. Ayers, K.C.M.G., had much pleasure in proposing a toast that had

been allotted to him, and made no doubt that the company would have equal

pleasure in responding to it. The toast was Early Explorers, and he had

been requested to associate with it the name of Mr. John Chambers.

(Cheers.) It seemed to be the lot of poor human nature that whenever we

met for rejoicing there was always sure to be some little mournful

circumstance attending it, and we could scarcely think of the early

explorers without remembering with regret the noble leaders and brave

members of former expeditions who have now passed to their eternal rest.

There was the name of Sturt that came first in the list of our old

explorers. There was the name and the likeness of a man far more familiar

to many of them. There was Kekwick, and more recently poor McKinlay--all

gone to their last account. But still he was proud to see, and he was

sure it formed a source of gratification to that company, and especially

so to our guest, so many brave men at the table who had been companions

of those leaders and others in the early expeditions of this country.

(Cheers.) He said it with pride, that in no other Australian colony could

be seen such a group as sat at that table who had gone through the

hardships and dangers of exploration; for with one or two exceptions all

of them in the row were explorers. It was hardly possible for us to

estimate how much we had benefited by those who had opened up the country

for us. We were few in numbers and could not appreciate the work of the

explorer; but generations yet unborn would bless the names of those men

who had carried it out. (Cheers). He thought that it was doing only a

just tribute to associate the name of Mr. John Chambers with this toast,

because it might not be known to all present that Mr. Chambers, with his

late brother James and Mr. W. Finke, enabled Mr. Stuart to accomplish the

journeys that he made throughout the continent. (Cheers.) It was their

capital and his great skill, for in the face of so many explorers he was

not ashamed to say that Mr. McDouall Stuart was the greatest explorer

that ever lived. It was their capital that had enabled him to perform the

work which he had done, and for which his name would remain as a monument

for ever in the memories of South Australians. For not only were we

indebted to Stuart for the most valuable discoveries he had made, but he

thought Mr. Todd would say that his indications had proved the most

accurate. But he had also done a great thing for exploration in changing

the modus operandi. He had been one of Sturt's party that went out with

bullock-drays; but he had had genius, and had changed all that, starting

upon exploring with light parties, and thus being able to accomplish so

much, and he was glad to say that explorers since had followed up the

same plan with great success. (Cheers.) And they were still further

indebted to the Messrs. Chambers. They had not only assisted in

discovering far-off country, but had been the first to invest their

capital in stocking it and making it useful. He was sorry to see that

there were not more Messrs. Chambers to go and do likewise; but he

thought he saw signs of the spread of settlement further, for the toe of

the agriculturist was very near upon the heel of the sheep-farmer, and if

the sheep-farmers did not look out and get fresh fields and pastures new,

they would soon find that the agriculturist was all too near. That was a

question that he enlarged upon, especially in another place; but as

brevity seemed to be the order of the night, he would only ask them to

drink the health of The Early Explorers, coupled with the name of Mr.

John Chambers.

The toast was received with three cheers.

Band: Auld lang syne.

Mr. J. Chambers rose amid cheers, and said that he was proud to say that

he had been connected with the earliest of our explorations, having been

associated with the gallant Captain Sturt in his exploration of the

Murray. After his arrival in the colony he had first travelled with him

and the then Governor, the late Colonel Gawler, in exploring the south.

They had had no difficulties and dangers to encounter then that some of

the explorers of the present had to go through, and, although they

travelled with heavy bullock-drays, managed to have plenty of water and

food. Their principal difficulty lay in getting through the ranges to the

south, and the interminable creeks and gullies which they got into and

had to retrace their steps from. This was a small matter of exploration,

and might at the present day appear absurd; but then there were doubts

where the Angas was, and whether the Onkaparinga in Mount Barker District

was not the Angas, and when beyond the hills they did not know whether

Mount Barker was not Mount Lofty, and whether Mount Lofty was not some

other mount. It was, however, done, and, having settled these matters by

observation, they returned to Adelaide after an exploration of three

weeks. They were on their return made small lions of, although they had

not had to fight the natives, and had had bullock-drays with them, while

their horses were in rather better condition than when they went out.

There was no doubt that the subject of exploration was one of the most

important to be considered by those who in the future would have to do

with the country, as it was always well to have information beforehand;

and, if Governor Gawler and Captain Sturt had known more, there would

have been a different result to their exploration journey up the Murray.

The gallant Captain Sturt had made Cooper's Creek his depot, and that

place twelve months ago had been looked upon as a home by persons in

search of country with a view of stocking it. His youngest son had been

round there for five months, and had penetrated the country far and wide,

and had often to retrace his steps there for water. They had heard from

the young explorer, Mr. Forrest, how it was said when he came here before

that he had only traversed the tracks of Mr. Eyre. So be it, and often

was it said that Mr. Eyre did no good because he kept to the coast; but

they had heard from Mr. Forrest that the tracks and descriptions of Mr.

Eyre were of vast assistance to him. (Cheers.) Therefore no man could

tell what good he might do; the finding of a spring in a desert might

eventually become of great service to the descendants of those who lived

at the time. There were some whom he wished could have been there, but

Providence had ordained the contrary, and therefore he stood before them

to say that it was for no purpose of self-aggrandizement, but for the

purpose of good to the nation, that the early expeditions were promoted

and conducted (cheers) and that the object of James Chambers, Finke,

Stuart, and himself was to span this colony for the purpose of allowing a

telegraph line to be laid. (Cheers.) When we read of the many times that

Stuart was driven back by the force of circumstances, it could easily be

conceived that he possessed a very energetic spirit. It was not once or

twice that Stuart was driven back, but he was determined to penetrate the

continent for the purpose, he was proud to know, of paving the way for

telegraphic communication; and had it not been for his brother, Mr.

Stuart, and himself, he was proud to say, we should not this day have had

the telegraph. It was often said that there never would be a telegraph

line, but their answer was always "yes." (Cheers). He thanked them

heartily for the position in which they had placed him and Mr. Stuart's

companions, and which they all appreciated. (Cheers).

Mr. J.W. Billiat, who was imperfectly heard, also responded. He said that

when he went out with Mr. Stuart he was only a new chum; but he went out

and came back again, and there he was. He could not say much about Mr.

Stuart's explorations, as all that needed to be said had been so ably put

by Sir Henry Ayers. There was no country in the world that had so tried

the endurance and perseverance of the men on exploring expeditions as

South Australia had done, and explorers should receive all the credit

that could be given. He knew the difficulty of travelling country like

that Mr. Forrest had come across, as several of Mr. Stuart's party had

travelled upon it trying to strike the Victoria River. If Mr. John

Chambers's liberality were known, and the way he had entered into the

question of exploration generally were known, his name would be brought

into more prominence than it had. He had sat in the background, but he

had found both money and energy.

The Honourable W. Everard (Commissioner of Crown Lands) said the toast he

had to give was The Government and People of Western Australia. Owing to a

variety of circumstances, our relations with Western Australia had not

been so intimate or close as those with the eastern colonies. That would

be readily understood, because Western Australia, being a small colony,

and self-reliant and independent, had troubled us very little

--occasionally for a few tons of flour or a cargo of notions. Another reason

was that it had not had telegraphic communication with us or the rest of

the world, and it was separated from us by a large extent of country which

till lately was considered little better than a howling wilderness. He was

happy to say that by the enterprise of Western Australia the magic wire

which annihilated time and distance would be laid between the two colonies

before long; and he was happy to say the Legislature here had agreed to

construct the South Australian part of the line, so that Western Australia

would be placed in communication, not only with South Australia, but the

world. (Cheers.) And again, with reference to that large tract of hitherto

supposed desert country which lay between the two colonies, the experience

of the gallant men he saw around him, and not only of the Messrs. Forrest,

but of Warburton, Gosse, and Giles, had shown that it contained grassy

valleys, mountain ranges, and permanent waters, and he believed that

before long it would be occupied by squatters. We must remember that, in

South Australia, close upon the heels of the explorer came the squatter

with his flocks and herds, and he even was not long left in quiet

enjoyment; and if his runs were good they were soon taken from him for

agricultural purposes. Considering the progress that we were making in

agriculture, it was high time we sought to enlarge our borders. Although

it was true that the band of explorers who were now before them had only

made a line through the country, we must remember that it would be a

base-line for future operations. Their work was very different to making

a forced march of two or three days when it was known there was permanent

water ahead. The explorer had carefully and deliberately to feel his way

into unknown country, and if he went a mile or two too far he could not

retrace his steps, and we could not attach too much importance to the

services of those individuals who had risked their lives in that way. It

was said, when Edward John Eyre made that wonderful journey of his along

the coast of Western Australia, that he had done nothing but gone along

the coast; but along that very line there would be a telegraph to connect

this colony with Western Australia. (Cheers.) It was true that Western

Australia was the smallest of the Australian group, and she had not

perhaps been so favoured as South Australia, as her country was not so

good; but he believed, from the enterprise of her Government, and the

courage, perseverance, and endurance shown by some of her sons, that she

would yet take her place among the Australian group, and that at some

future date she would be one of the provinces which would form one united

Australia. (Cheers.)

The toast was drunk with cheers.

Mr. Alexander Forrest responded. He said he thanked them most cordially

for having associated his name with that of the Government and people of

Western Australia. He had had the honour for the last four years of being

employed in the service of the Western Australian Government, and he

could assure them that they had a very good Government. They had

representative government, although not responsible government; but since

they had been on their trip they had heard that it was proposed to

establish constitutional government. He did not believe it would make

much difference, but personally he was glad to see it. The people would

have the management of their own money, and that he considered a good

thing, for they were never satisfied till they had the control over it.

When the party left, all the people of Western Australia were longing to

do honour to and entertain Colonel Warburton; and, although they were a

small people, they did their best, and what they did they did heartily.

(Cheers.) If Mr. Gosse had got over they would have given him also a good

reception. He had not expected to see as many people as he had seen that

day. The streets were crowded, and, wherever he looked, some one seemed

to be looking in that direction. (Laughter.) The toast included the

people of Western Australia, and he could assure them that, as he had

travelled through the length and breadth of the land, he knew every man

in it, every squatter, every farmer, every rich man, every poor man, and

every magistrate. This was not the first time that he had been exploring,

as he accompanied his brother to this colony four years ago, and in 1871

the Government sent him out in command of a party to find new land, when

he went out about 600 miles. He thanked them for the very kind way in

which they had spoken of his companions. Since they came to this colony

they had been fed and clothed, and no one would take any money. (Cheers.)

In the city he expected something great, but in the Burra, Gawler, and

other places where they did not expect it, they had met with a hearty

reception. He saw a great improvement in Adelaide. When he came here four

years ago, the colony was not in such a good state, and a great many men

were out of work; but now everything was in good order, and he believed

South Australia would be one of the first colonies of Australia.

(Cheers).

Mr. William Gosse rose, and was received with loud cheers. He said he

felt honoured by being invited on the present occasion, and had much

pleasure in taking part in the reception of Mr. John Forrest and party.

He would take that opportunity of making a few remarks. His instructions,

when he was sent out, were to find a route as nearly as possible in a

direct line from his starting-point upon the telegraph line to Perth,

only deviating when obliged to do so for water. He had to feel his way as

he advanced, form depots to secure his retreat if necessary, and

accurately fix all points on his track. The last words the Honourable T.

Reynolds had said to him were, "You fully understand that Perth is your

destination, and not any other point on the western coast," or words to

that effect. They would see by that, that had he been fortunate enough to

discover the country by which Mr. Forrest got across, he should scarcely

have been justified in proceeding. His farthest point west was between

500 and 600 miles from the explored portion of the Murchison, and 360

miles from the sources of the same. Copies of his diary and map had been

forwarded to Mr. Forrest by Mr. Goyder on the 27th of February, 1874, the

originals of which had been ready for publication on his arrival on the

telegraph line, and had not been compiled after their return to Adelaide,

as some people supposed from the delay in their publication. He made

these statements partly in self-defence, as remarks had been made by

members in the House to the effect that the Government had fitted out an

expedition at an enormous expense which had done comparatively nothing,

though his map showed 50,000 square miles of country.

Sir John Morphett had been asked to propose the toast of The Australian

Colonies. It was a very large toast indeed at the present time even, and

what it might be in the future it was impossible to say. He hoped that it

would be something wonderful. (Cheers.) At the present time the immense

country was occupied by 2,000,000 people, and we could not with that

number get on. What we wanted was more population. What were the products

which Australia could produce? First of all was wheat--the best in the

world. Then there were wine and wool, and lead, and gold, and copper,

tin, and sugar. These were all products that the world wanted, and all

that we required to make our production of these a success was

federation. We should have greater individual strength and prosperity,

and greater universal strength and prosperity if we were federated, and

we would in time become what we wanted to be--a nation. (Cheers.) Let

them come to West Australia, which was the birth-place of their esteemed

and energetic friend Mr. Forrest. He was glad to see that she had at last

freed herself from the shackles of that curse of convictism, and could

now go hand in hand with the other colonies in the march of progress. He

gave them the toast of the Colonies of Australia, coupling with it the

name of Mr. Ernest Giles.

The toast having been duly honoured, Mr. Ernest Giles rose to respond,

and was met with cheers. He had been called upon to respond to this

toast, which, as Sir John Morphett had told them, was a very

comprehensive one--so comprehensive that he was sure that he would fail

to do it justice. What he had to say therefore on the subject would not

detain them long. Sir John Morphett had touched upon the progress and

prosperity of the colonies, and there was no doubt that at the present

time the colonies were in a far more prosperous state than they had ever

been in before. With regard to federation, a gentleman high in the

service here, speaking to him, had said that if that was carried out

exploration should not be forgotten, but that fresh lines should be taken

with the co-operation of all the colonies. The splendid success which had

attended Mr. Forrest would, he had no doubt, tend greatly to promote the

ultimate prosperity of the colonies. (Applause.)

Mr. John Forrest, in a few complimentary words, proposed the health of

the Chairman, which was well received and acknowledged.

VISIT TO GAWLER AND MELBOURNE.

A few days afterwards I was honoured by an invitation from Gawler to lay

the first stone of a monument to commemorate the achievements of the late

Mr. John McKinlay, the leader of the Burke Relief Expedition, and the

explorer, under great difficulties, of the northern territory. Mr.

McKinlay died at Gawler in December, 1874, and it was resolved to

perpetuate his memory by the erection of an obelisk in the cemetery. The

14th of November was the day appointed for the ceremony, and after I had

laid the stone with the customary forms, there was a luncheon, presided

over by Mr. W.F. Wincey, the Mayor of Gawler. He delivered a really

eloquent address, describing the character and heroic labours of the

distinguished explorer, whose achievements we were celebrating. My own

health and that of my brother was proposed, and in responding (my brother

not being present) I once more took occasion to express the deep sense,

on the part of all my associates, of the kindness with which we had been

received.

After this my brother and I paid a flying visit to Melbourne, where we

remained a few days, and received much attention from the Governor, Sir

George Bowen, the Mayor of Melbourne, and others; and then, on the 5th of

December, we bade farewell to our South Australian friends and started on

our homeward voyage. On the 10th we reached King George's Sound, where we

were heartily welcomed and presented with a congratulatory address. At

Banbury and Fremantle we were received with kindness and enthusiastic

demonstrations. At Banbury we met Mr. Weld. He was on his way to King

George's Sound, en route for his new Government in Tasmania. He welcomed

us very heartily, and expressed his regret that he was unable to receive

us at Perth. The popular air, When Johnny comes marching home again, was

selected as extremely appropriate to the occasion, and after a champagne

breakfast at the residence of the Chairman of the Municipal Council, Mr.

Marmion, at Fremantle, we left for Perth in a carriage and six, Tommy

Windich and Tommy Pierre riding on gaily-decked horses immediately behind

us.

On reaching Perth we were met by the Commandant, Colonel Harvest, the

chairman and members of the Reception Committee, and representatives of

the Friendly Societies. The streets were crowded, and on our way to the

Town Hall we were enthusiastically cheered. Mr. Randell, the Chairman of

the Perth Municipality, read an address of welcome. I need not repeat

what I said in reply; my words were but the expression of what has been

felt ever since our perilous journey was completed--thankfulness that I

had been preserved and strengthened to do my duty, and that I had been so

well supported by brave and faithful companions. But I will quote the

characteristic speech of Tommy Pierre, who returned thanks on behalf of

the party--Windich was called on, but could not summon courage to say a

word. Tommy said, "Well, gentlemen, I am very thankful to come back to

Swan River, and Banbury, Fremantle, and Perth. I thought we was never to

get back. (Laughter.) Many a time I go into camp in the morning, going

through desert place, and swear and curse and say, 'Master, where the

deuce are you going to take us?' I say to him, 'I'll give you a pound to

take us back.' (Cheers and laughter.) Master say, 'Hush! what are you

talking about? I will take you all right through to Adelaide;' and I

always obey him. Gentlemen, I am thankful to you that I am in the Town

Hall. That's all I got to say." (Cheers.)

No doubt we all shared Tommy's thankfulness, and I am sure his homely

language very fairly expressed the spirit in which all my associates had

shown their confidence in me during our long journey.

A banquet and ball were given in the Town Hall. Mr. Randell presided at

the former, supported by the Bishop of Perth; Sir Archibald P. Burt, the

Chief Justice; the Honourable the Commandant; Mr. L.S. Leake, Speaker of

the Legislative Council; the Honourable A. O'Grady Lefroy, Colonial

Treasurer, and other gentlemen of high position. The newspapers published

the following report of the principal speeches delivered:--

The Chairman gave His Excellency the Governor, whose unavoidable absence

he, in common with every one present, deeply regretted, knowing full well

the deep interest his Excellency had always evinced in connexion with

exploration, and especially in connexion with the expedition so

successfully carried through by their guests that evening.

The toast was drunk amid loud cheering.

The Chairman next gave The Army, Navy, and Volunteers, which was duly

honoured.

The Honourable the Commandant, in responding for the Army and the Navy,

heartily thanked the assembly for the loyal manner in which the toast had

been received. The toast of the British Army and Navy, always appropriate

at a banquet where Britons were assembled, was particularly appropriate

on the present occasion, gathered together as they were to do honour to

valour. (Cheers.) It was needless for him to state that--all knew

it--British soldiers, well equipped, properly provided in every way, and

properly led, would go anywhere, and face any mortal thing; and so, it

appeared, would West Australians, true sons of Great Britain. The other

day, at the presentation of the address given to Mr. Forrest by the

citizens of Perth, he (the Commandant), alluding to the young explorer's

gallant and truly heroic services in the field of exploration, had said

that, were he a soldier, the distinguished feat he had accomplished would

have entitled him to be decorated with the soldier's most honourable mark

of distinction--the Victoria Cross. (Cheers.) Now he had no desire to

accord Mr. Forrest the least particle of credit beyond what he honestly

believed he was entitled to, but he meant to say this--that Mr. Forrest

had displayed all the noblest characteristics of a British soldier under

circumstances by no means as favourable for arousing a spirit of

intrepidity, and for stimulating bravery, as was in operation on a

battle-field, amidst the all-powerful excitement of an engagement with

the enemy, urged on to deeds of valour by the examples of comrades. Who

or what had Mr. Forrest and his little band of followers to cheer them

on; to urge them forward on their perilous and dreary enterprise? What

surrounding circumstances encouraged them to face unknown dangers? He

should think that many a wearisome day and night in crossing the arid,

trackless desert-path he was traversing, he would, on laying down his

head to rest, say, "Would for bedtime in Perth, and all well!" Nothing

daunted, however, by perils, privations, and difficulties, he carried his

enterprise successfully through; and although there were no Victoria

Crosses for distinguished services of that nature, there, nevertheless,

was an order of merit for rewarding exploits such as Mr. Forrest had

performed, and he most heartily and sincerely trusted that the decoration

of honour conferred upon the gallant Warburton would be likewise

conferred on Mr. Forrest. (Applause.)

Captain Birch briefly responded on behalf of the Volunteers.

The Chairman then said the pleasing duty devolved upon him to propose the

toast which was in reality the toast of the evening, and to ask them to

drink with him The Health and Prosperity of Mr. John Forrest and his

Party. (Cheers.) Nine months ago, within a day, they had undertaken a

perilous journey across an unknown country, to accomplish what was

believed by many to be an impossible task on account of the terrible

nature of that country. What dangers, what difficulties, what privations

they had suffered in carrying out their daring enterprise, and what the

result of their arduous labours had been, was already known to most if

not all of those now present, a succinct chronicle of their journey

having been published in the South Australian and in the local

newspapers. To-night they were amongst them safe and sound, having been

saved by Almighty Providence from dangers which they could not have

contended with, and surmounted difficulties which but for such Divine

help must have been insuperable. All honour to them; all honour to the

brave men who had assisted to achieve such a victory, of which even Mr.

Forrest and his companions might well be proud, and the advantages of

which he felt that we could not yet fully appreciate. (Cheers.) The

Honourable the Commandant had spoken so ably of their victory that little

remained for him to add. He, however, ventured to differ from the gallant

Commandant on one point, namely, that, when compassed on all sides by

difficulties, far from aid, succour, or assistance of any kind, Mr.

Forrest must have wished himself back in Perth, all well. He (Mr.

Randell) did not believe that such a thought ever entered Mr. Forrest's

head, fully determined as he was to cross the continent, or perish in the

attempt. He was sure that not even the golden reward offered by Tommy

Pierre, for turning back, exerted any influence on his gallant leader's

mind; on the contrary, they found him quietly rebuking Tommy's failing

courage with a "hush" and a promise to take him right through to

Adelaide. Mr. Forrest's courage never failed him on the way, nor had they

any reason to believe that the courage of any member of his party had

really failed in the face of the terrible difficulties they had

encountered, and, by God's help, surmounted. (Applause.) They all had

read of the Olympic games of the ancient Greeks, and the kindred sports

indulged in by the Romans of old. Their athletic contests being conducted

in the presence of immense crowds of spectators naturally stimulated the

athletes to distinguish themselves; the applause of their fellow-citizens

urged them on to strive with might and main to win the crown of laurel or

ivy leaves with which the brow of the victor was decked. He well

remembered an incident recorded in Grecian history, where two brothers

had been engaged in an athletic contest and been victorious. When they

came forth to receive the crown which rewarded their victory, their aged

father--who himself, in his younger days, had been an athlete--was

present, and the sons placed their crown on his venerable head. He was

sorry that the father of the young heroes whom they were then

entertaining was not present to witness the reward freely bestowed upon

his sons by their fellow-countrymen. (Cheers.) Our South Australian

neighbours, in their magnificent reception of Mr. Forrest and his party,

had given us a good example of how to appreciate and reward noble deeds,

and it must be pleasing to every Western Australian to reflect on the

cordiality of that reception. (Applause.) He thought the colony would be

neglecting its duty if it did not, as one man, recognize the extreme

kindness which had been shown our gallant explorers by the people and by

the Government of our sister colony--South Australia. (Cheers.) It was a

pleasing trait in Mr. Forrest's character that he had not been at all

spoilt by the enthusiastic and really splendid ovation he and his party

had received at the hands of our southern neighbours; nothing could be

more admirable than his unaffected modesty and unassuming deportment in

the face of such a reception. The life of a lion did not spoil their

young hero, nor, as the Inquirer had said that morning, did he think it

would suit him long; for however tempting it might be to some people to

live upon laurels well earned, such men as Mr. Forrest had no difficulty

in overcoming the temptation to ease and repose, however deserving and

indisputable his claims thereto. (Cheers.) He believed with the Inquirer

that it was Mr. Forrest's natural instinct to lead a hard life in the

cause of exploration. He belonged--not by birth it was true, but through

his parents--to a country that had produced such men as Mungo Park;

Bruce, who explored the sources of the Nile; and Campbell, who, labouring

in the same cause, traversed the wilds of Africa; and that greatest and

noblest of all explorers, the dead but immortal Livingstone. (Cheers.)

Mr. Forrest's achievements had entitled his name to stand side by side in

the page of history with men of that stamp and others who had placed the

human family under such great obligations by their undaunted and

self-denying efforts in the cause of exploration. (Cheers.) It would not

perhaps be right on his part to refer to the pecuniary reward which the

Legislature had voted as an honorarium to Mr. Forrest and his party, but

he would say this much--and he believed every one in the colony would be

in accord with him--that the public would not have grumbled, on the

contrary, would have been glad if the grant had been 1000 pounds and not

500 pounds. (Hear, hear.) He did not think for a moment that the

Legislative Council thought that 500 pounds was the measure of the value

of Mr. Forrest's services; they were rather influenced by the extent of

the public revenue and the ability of the country to pay a larger amount;

nevertheless, he would have been pleased, and the public would have been

pleased, had the vote been more commensurate with the value of those

services. (Cheers.) In asking the present assembly to join him in

drinking the toast of Mr. Forrest's health and that of his party, he

considered it was as if he moved a vote of thanks on behalf of the colony

for the labours in which they had been associated, for the honour they

had conferred on their country, and he would ask them to join him in

heartily drinking the toast. (Cheers.)

The toast was received with several rounds of cheering.

The Commandant rose in explanation, and said he never for a moment meant

to infer that in the midst of his greatest difficulties Mr. Forrest ever

thought of giving up his task. What he said was that he must have often,

in lying down his head after a wearisome day's journey, wished himself at

home in Perth all well, with his enterprise accomplished, but not

otherwise (cheers). He did not believe that Mr. Forrest ever winced at

danger, ever swerved from the path he had laid out for himself to

traverse.

Mr. John Forrest, on rising, was received with applause, which rose to

ringing cheers. Upon the subsiding of the applause, Mr. Forrest said,

"Mr. Chairman and gentlemen, I feel that I ought to say a great deal on

this occasion, but I really hardly know what to say. I can, of course,

say that I sincerely thank you for your kindness in inviting myself and

companions to this great banquet, and when I say that, I trust you will

give me credit for saying what I feel in my heart of hearts. But I feel I

have much more than this to say this evening, knowing as I do that I

would disappoint you if I did not address you at some length. I will

endeavour to muster the words and the courage to do so; as you know,

public speaking is not my forte, and if I fail in satisfying your

expectations, you must accept the will for the deed (cheers). When I had

the honour of being entertained at a public banquet at Adelaide, I had a

good deal to say there of my career up to the present; but here I need

not say a word about my antecedents, for most of you have known me from

my childhood (cheers). For the last few years you all know I have had

some little to do with exploration, and for me to tell you anything of my

past experience would be simply waste of time and waste of words. You

will, however, expect me to say something of our latest enterprise. I had

been for some time animated by a desire to explore the untrodden interior

of our island continent. I had, as you know, been twice before in the

field; once in an eastward direction, and once along the south sea-board

to Adelaide--the latter, I was told, being considered a very small

undertaking, quite a coasting trip, and one on account of which we could

not lay claim to much credit. I therefore was desirous of penetrating the

mystery that shrouded the interior, and, with that object in view, I used

my utmost endeavours to organize an expedition in that direction. Without

the support and co-operation of one who I am sorry not to see here this

evening, he having quitted the metropolis--his Excellency Governor

Weld--my endeavours, I may safely say, would not have resulted in the

organization of the expedition I had at heart, and I should not have been

here to-night, occupying the proud position which I do. (Cheers.) My

proposition to his Excellency, through the Commissioner of Crown Lands,

was warmly received, and cordially espoused by the Executive. Any one can

see it on application, together with his Excellency's minute, which was

very complimentary to me. The proposition was carried through the

Legislative Council, and a small sum of money was voted for the

expedition, without which it could not probably have been organized and

fitted out. I am happy to say that our trip is not likely to cost much

more than the amount voted (400 pounds). Possibly the expense may reach

600 pounds or so; if it does, I have no doubt the Legislature will

willingly vote the extra amount. (Hear, hear.) If it does not, of course

we keep to the original proposition, and we shall only ask for the 400

pounds. I am quite prepared to abide by the original arrangement; but I

think that every man in the colony is satisfied that the expedition was

conducted at the least possible expense, and that we all tried to do our

very best. (Cheers.) I scarcely think it is necessary for me to enter

into any details of our journey; I have already given the most salient

points in my published telegraphic despatch to the Government. We

experienced some difficulties, no doubt, and some few privations, but I

can assure you none of us ever thought of turning back. (Cheers.) On one

occasion, I admit, the thought did enter my head that, possibly, we might

have to turn back, but I did not tell any member of the party a word

about it. The thought haunted me at night, and I could not sleep; and had

we to carry it into execution we should have probably found ourselves

coming out somewhere near Victoria Plains, and it struck me that I should

be greeted with such expressions as "Well, old man, I am glad to see you

back, but I am sorry you could not get through." I knew people would be

glad to see us back, but their satisfaction at our safe return would be

alloyed with regret at our failure to get right across; so I said to

myself, "I never can face that; I must try again," and try again we did,

and you know the result. (Cheers.) I candidly tell you that the thought

struck me that if we were baffled in our efforts to penetrate through, it

might be all the better for this colony, inasmuch as there would be a

saving of expense thereby, although the credit due to me would be

considerably diminished. But I did not care so much for that. When,

however, I reached the settled portions of South Australia, I was very

anxious to get right through to the telegraph line, just to show our

neighbours that we could get across. From the date of our arrival at

Peake Station, you know how cordially we were received throughout the

rest of our journey, and with what kindness we were treated. Probably all

of you have read of our enthusiastic reception at Adelaide. I never saw

so many people in my life before, nor such a demonstration. They say

there were 20,000 persons present. I thought there were 100,000 present.

(Laughter.) As for my brother, he seemed enchanted with the sight, and

especially with the ladies. He has said he thought they were all looking

at him. On the contrary, gentlemen, I thought they were all looking at

me. (Laughter.) Every one we came in contact with, both high and low,

treated us most kindly. The same again in Melbourne. (Cheers.) Now, I

must say a word or two about my first impressions on visiting Melbourne.

The first object of interest that caught my attention was the splendid

monument erected to the memory of the gallant explorers, Burke and Wills.

Baron von Mueller kindly met me on the jetty when we landed, and I

accompanied him in a cab to have an interview with the Governor. When we

came in sight of this monument I asked the Baron to stop while I alighted

to inspect it. He courteously did so. Gentlemen, a thrilling feeling came

over me on looking on that memorial of two brave men who sacrificed their

lives in the cause of exploration. The monument represents poor Burke

standing over Wills, who is kneeling down. The first relief represents

the party leaving Melbourne, and the popular demonstration accorded them;

in the next place the return from Carpentaria is depicted, and the

discovery of a depot where some provisions had been deposited. There is

King in the act of holding a candle, Burke reading a letter, and Wills's

head is peering over his shoulder. Further on there is a relief

representing the death of the brave leader with his revolver grasped in

his hand. On the other side there is Howitt and his party finding King,

the sole survivor of Burke's party, among a number of black fellows, with

whom he had been living for several weeks--the black fellows looking

aghast at the relief party. Several times afterwards, during my stay in

Melbourne, I went to look at this monument, and it always sent a thrill

through my very soul. (Cheers.) Gentlemen, in conclusion, I must again

express my gratitude for the kind manner in which you have received me

and the members of my party back amongst you. My only consolation, in the

face of the ovations I have received, is that we all tried to do our very

best. (Cheers.) As to the vote of the Legislature, alluded to by your

chairman, while I thank him heartily for his liberal spirit, I assure you

I am very well satisfied indeed. (Applause.) When I started on the

expedition I never expected one farthing of honorarium from the public

funds; but though I am modest I am not altogether unselfish, and I did

expect what I think every Briton expects from his countrymen when he does

his best--but what he does not always get--the thanks of my

fellow-colonists. (Cheers.) That I HAVE received most abundantly, and I

am quite satisfied with it, and so I think are all the members of my

party. We are also quite content with, and thankful for, the provision

made for us by the Legislative Council. I don't know whether I shall

again appear before you as an explorer, or whether I shall rest on my

laurels, as the Inquirer said to-day. I can only say that if my services

are required I shall be found ready and willing. (Cheers.) In the toast

you have so enthusiastically drank my companions are very properly

associated with myself, for I am much indebted to them for their hearty

co-operation. They always endeavoured to do what I desired, and the most

friendly feelings existed amongst us throughout the journey. (Cheers.) I

never withheld from them any information as to our whereabouts or our

movements; the maps, route, and the observations taken during the

expedition were always open for their inspection, so that they could see

our exact position from day to day. I had no secrets from them (hear,

hear), and this confidence was reciprocated on their part. I never had

occasion to check or to use an angry word to one of my party. They one

and all always showed readiness and willingness to obey my

instructions--in fact, I seldom had any occasion to instruct them; and I

gladly avail myself of this opportunity to thank them publicly for their

exemplary conduct. (Cheers.) On their behalf, as well as on my own

behalf, I once more also thank you most sincerely for the honour you have

done us and the kindness you have shown us. I hope that our future career

will show that we are not altogether unworthy of that kindness." (Loud

cheers.)

Tommy Pierre, one of the aboriginals attached to the expedition, then

stepped forward, and, addressing the assembly, said: I only black fellow,

you know; nothing at all but just a few words. I ought to give you good

lecture. (Laughter.) Well, gentlemen, I am very thankful that I got into

the city of Perth; that people give me welcome and everything. I am

always thankful to any person that brought me into city of Perth.

(Laughter.) When I speak so of city of Perth I don't speak wrong at all,

what I speak is true and true. Well, gentlemen, I am very thankful to the

people in Perth at the Town Hall; I am very thankful to every one that

welcome me. I am always very glad to see white fellows around me. In

Bunbury, Governor Weld spoke to me and say he left me a present in city

of Perth, and I hope I will get it too. (Cheers and laughter.) Governor

Weld is a splendid fellow; splendid governor. Well, gentlemen, I am all

thankful; my last word is--I am thankful to you all. (Cheers.)

Mr. Randell: In consequence of the absence of the Surveyor-General--from

what cause I am unable to state--his lordship Bishop Hale has kindly

consented to propose the next toast. (Cheers.)