THE BOY AND THE MAN

South Canterbury Times, Issue 3103, 12 March 1883, Page 2

THE BOY AND THE MAN

Time, indeed, works wonders and many curious changes. As a proof of this, it is now nearly thirty-two years ago since Sir Charles Dilke’s father, then only plain Mr Dilke, used to travel backwards and forward to Windsor Castle frequently to consult..the late Prince Consort conoerniug the Hyde Park Exhibition of 1851. Mr Dilke was a great favorite at Court in those days, not only from his great practical ability but also from his pleasing and amiable manners which threw a special charm over everything bo was engaged in. In those visits he frequently took his little son Charles with him, who was about five years of age, and ho was at that time what the ladies called a sweet and engaging child, with golden curly locks which flowed gracefully over his shoulders. The Queen was much attached to the little fellow, and used to take him on her knee and talk to him while his father and the Prince were in the grounds. Years rolled by, and the little child grew up to be a fine, clever man, with political opinionshaving a tendency towards Radicalism and Democracy, and in his speeches he has been known to express himself as being very much dissatisfied with the expenses of royalty. A few weeks ago Sir Charles paid another visit to Her Majesty to receive a Cabinet appointment from her, and to kiss bands for the favor. Did he, we wonder, then bestow a thought on the kind tenderness of former years, at the moment when be knelt to kiss the Royal hand which used to stroke his curly locks so kindly and playfully when he was a sweet and engaging little child ? —“ Home News."