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[Page 25]
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were in bloom, and the tender shoots of new foliage were many hued Azalias in all colours grew in profligate riot, and I felt that of the English spring the half had not been told.
Very interesting were the traditions connected with the house of my host. His grounds took in an old Roman road, over which the smugglers passed when on their way to their caves not far away with their shipwrecked spoils.
It was interesting to walk through Cowdray Park, and view the ruined castle on which rested the strange curse of the Priest so extraordinarily fulfilled. The new home built on the modern lines looked out of place in the historic setting.
On June 2nd I was back in London for the Investiture in Hyde Park. Cecil came with me and got some excellent snaps. Among the 325 recipients were Major Murray D.S.O. of N.S.W., who has had every military honour possible, and he got a tremendous reception as the King pinned his latest bar on, and shook him warmly by the hand.
The arrangements were splendidly carried out, and the day a perfect one. The Guards' bands massed and clothed in all their pre-War time splendour took up their position on the far side. The centre was reserved for wounded soldiers, who looked quite festive in their blue hospital suits with white shirts and red ties. And nearer the dais where the King and Queen stood were representative guests including relatives of the recipients. A ramp ascended to and descended from where the King stood, so that each as he or she walked up (several nurses were included) could be seen by the whole of the assemblage. Not only did the public standing make a fringe many feet deep around those seated, but they stretched along the route for miles, kept in a line by an army of special constables, all controlled by Lieut. Col. Reay Managing Director of the Melbourne Herald in London. Over all a squadron of Aeroplanes circled unceasingly, with an ever watchful eye for enemy craft.
That evening we dined at Herbert Crescent, and met Miss Agnes Bowen, daughter of one of our earliest Governors of Queensland and Victoria and recalled many very interesting incidents of her childhood.