COLONIAL INSTITUTE ANNUAL SHOW.

Auckland Star, Volume XXXI, Issue 184, 4 August 1900, Page 3 (Supplement)

COLONIAL INSTITUTE ANNUAL SHOW.

A CROWDED CONVERSAZIONE.

The Eoyal Colonial Institute's 27th. animal conversazione at the South. Kensington Natural History Museuni had a special significance this year in the light of the assistance rendered in South Africa by the colonies, and the words, "For Queen jind United Empire" on tlie Institute's flag flanked by New Zealand and Victorian bannerets, were no longer an empty pompous phrase, but spoke eloquently to the vast gathering of over 2000 guests of all classes and colours from the uttermost corners of the earth of the greatest sacrifice men and women can make for their country, the shedding of their life's blood. There were reptilian and mammal galleries open to the brilliant throng, and an appointment at a secluded spot under the shadow of the skeleton of the gigantic sloth might lead to the eventual federation of a sturdy New Zealander with an Australian native, but who had eyes for reptiles when every Union Jack or blue ensign that fluttered so bravely from the balcony, each with its individual device, waved a message from pole to pole of love and loyalty from the outposts of the Empire to the headquarters camp?

The gathering' was perhaps somewhat more brilliant and crowded than usual. There was the rumour which each year with many tongues circulates through the crowd that Mr Chamberlain was just ascending the staircase' but, as .usual, it proved quite unfounded. The Secretary of .State for the Colonies seems to find it impossible to put in an appearance even for a few minutes, a pity, for he would be sure of an enthusiastic reception from so representative a colonial collection. However, we had the Earl of Jersey, whom rumour, again busy, persists in regarding as the future Governor-General of the Commonwealth, Lord Strathcona, Sir Fowell and Miss Buxton, and Lord Brassey, much bronzed by his voyage on the Sunbeam, in addition to the usual standing dishes at such a function. Mr and Mrs Kingston and Mr and Miss Dickson, Sir Philip and Lady Fysh, represented the delegates. Sir John, Lady and Miss Cockburri, and Sir Langdon, Lady and Miss Bonython gathered round them a great, many South Australians. The law was personified by Chief Justice Sir Henry and Lady de Villier (Cape Colony), Mr Justice and Mrs Chubb (N.S.W.), and Mr Justice Denniston and his wife and daughters (N.Z.), Major and Mrs Macfai'lane, the Mayor and Mayoress of Maritzburg rallied the gallant .Natalians. Sir Somers Vine was chaperoning Prince and Princess Ivalainanaole, of Hawaii, and a couple of Rajahs with unpronounceable names gave an Indian flavour to the mainly Anglo-Saxon throng.*

The Artillery and Grenadier Bands playethe liveliest ditties, a constant hum of conversation pervaded the great hall, as friend hailed friend and renewed reminiscences of the past before, dispersing to the far ends of the world. Altogether a great feder? active gathering. - • , '