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 To