ognise that
these gentlemen of pleasure cost the Colonies L39,500 a year in
salaries, and another L20,000 may be added for incidental expenses,
interest, etc., making, roughly speaking L60,000 a year, or nearly
sufficient to pay the interest on a three per cent. loan of two
millions. It would be argued in the first place that the sixty thousand
was simply thrown away, and in the second that the time had arrived when
men of ability took the places of the figure-heads.

The English Governor is sent out to strengthen the existing bond, or in
other words to preach loyalty. "God save the Queen" is his text, his
motto and his password. If he attends a public function, "God save the
Queen" is conspicuous on the walls; if he replies to a toast he will
make frequent reference to the estimable qualities of Her Majesty. If he
walks or drives down the street, the street bands and barrel-organs play
"God save the Queen"; if he attends or promises to attend a theatrical
performance, nothing is done until his arrival, even if it be an hour
late, then everybody in the house is expected to rise, and take off
their hats, when the orchestra greets him with "God save the Queen." If
he attends a dinner, "God save the Queen" is inscribed on the menu
between each of the courses, and is supposed to be partaken of; if he
visits a school the children will have been practising for months, at
home, in the street, in school and everywhere, "God save the Queen"; if
he attends a football match or any athletic sports, he is the centre of
attraction, all in the grand stands rise while the band plays "God save
the Queen." These are a few instances that have become law in Australia,
and the song or tune has just about the same effect on the Young
Australians as a worn-out, threadbare music-hall song would have on a
first-night audience; and yet there are plenty of people to be found who
will acknowledge that it's the prettiest tune they ever heard, and with
a "God bless the dear old lady," they are arguing the next instant with
themselves that it must come, it's only a matter of waiting, another
thousand or two judiciously expended will do it. To keep the tune of
"God save the Queen" fresh in the Australian's ears costs sixty thousand
a year.

One of the greatest surprises an Australian has on his arrival in
England is the comparative lack, of loyal display. There, the Queen's
birthday is taken no more notice of than if it were a commoner's, the
Prince