ours 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.