el Tempest Hicks, C.B., Colonel English, and
Major Fetherstonhaugh, and when they marched into the hall and took up
position on either side, in line of half-battalions, they were greeted
with loud cheering, and when the order 'stand at ease' was made a
number of reservists and other friends rushed forward to exchange
greetings with former acquaintances. There was nearly a half-hour's
wait for the arrival of the Duke of Connaught, and in the interval the
bands of the Fusiliers and Warwickshire Regiment played some
selections. At a quarter-past twelve precisely, H.R.H. the Commander
of the Forces in Ireland arrived in an open carriage, accompanied by
H.R.H. the Duchess of Connaught and Princesses Margaret and Patricia
of Connaught, and attended by the following staff: Major-General Sir
William Knox, Major-General Sir John Maxwell, Colonel Hammersley,
Colonel Davidson, Colonel Dickinson, Colonel Congreve, V.C., and Major
Murray, A.D.C.

[Illustration: Homeward bound at last after twenty Years' Foreign
Service.]

The Duke, who wore the uniform of a Field-Marshal, was received by the
following members of the reception committee: Major Domville, D.L.
(vice-chairman), Mr. Justice Ross, Sir Wm. Thompson, Sir Charles
Cameron, C.B., Major Davidson Houston, Colonel Finlay, Colonel
Davidson, Major-General Sir Gerald Morton, K.C.B., Colonel Paterson,
Colonel G. T. Plunkett, C.B., Captain Lewis Riall, D.L., Colonel
Vernon, D.L., and Alderman Harris.

Major-General Vetch, commanding the Dublin District, was accompanied
by Major Lowndes, A.D.C., Major Gilles (Brigade-Major), and Captain
Fox Strangways (Garrison Adjutant). A guard of honour of the Royal
Irish Rifles was drawn up outside the Show Buildings, and the band of
the regiment played the National Anthem when the Duke and Duchess of
Connaught drove up.

Their Royal Highnesses having taken seats on the dais, the Duke of
Connaught, who spoke in a tone which was easily heard in all parts of
the building, said, 'Colonel Hicks, officers and non-commissioned
officers, and men of the 2nd Battalion Royal Dublin Fusiliers, allow me
to welcome you most warmly home again to old Ireland after your very
arduous four years' service. I am sure I am only the mouthpiece, not
only of the General Officer Commanding this Army Corps, but also of
every loyal Irishman, when I assure you how warm and how hearty is the
greeting that is given you on your return to your native country, and
especially