On a bleak. inclement day, the Vietorian section of the Federal contingent took their departure from Melbourne. The reyeillo was sounded before daylight at Langwarrin camp. and by 8 a.m. the three specials had been filled and despatched to their destination at Port Melbourne. As men and mounts arrived alongside the transport, St. Andrew. they were rapidly embarked, and fodder and supplies were taken_on hoard.
5 p. m. the St. Andrew cast off from the pier and slowly backed into the stream, 'a choppy sea promising an uncomfortable night outside to those not insured to the hardships of salt water travel. Previous to hauling off, the men were addressed Mr. Barton, wko bade them good-bye in the name of the nation. Major-General Downes, State Commandant, also read 2 parting message from the Gerurnor-General.
Naval Note=.
rural Beaumont keeps the fleet on instead of allowing it to remain az anchor in Sydney harbour. which latter was the usual fashion under previous chiefs. Hobart sas recently visited. thence the flagship escorted by three nel a torpedo catcher, proceeded to Port Lincoln. South Australia, where weak oF 0 '08 p' Portland (Vie... was the next place visited. Here the i stof wor? the official gusts at ing of a new pier for ocean 2 steamers. Thence a firing visit to Melbourne for coal, and departure was taken fom Port Phillip for a cruise around the New Zealand coast. During the Melbourne detention, the usual official calls on the Prime Minister and Commander in Chief were made and returned.
Text read from the printed page and cleaned; old type leaves the occasional error.