The Return Journey.

3 p. m. Wednesday was the hour of departure from Onehunga—a sad occasion. Our hosts and hostesses were on the wharf in flattering numbers, and certainly there was noise and seeming merriment enough: but underlying the quips and laughter ran a very definite feeling of regret that the fun was over s far as Auckland was concerned. It is wonderful what strong friendships can be struck-up in five days, especially when page 24 one's heart is in the work. Otago covered themselves with satisfaction and soot by climbing the shrouds to deliver their farewell orations; Cheers, college songs, war-cries, and individual spasms of wit fairly rent he air as the Rotoiti slowly backed away, while the white cambric which fluttered from every coign of vantage would have sufficed to sail a ship. The trip to New Plymouth was excellent, an impromptu concert pleasantly passing the waking hours. Train journey down was considerably enlivened at Palmerston North by the firm determination of two Canterbury men not to be left behind. Sprinting gamely down the platform they threaded their way through the crowd in true "All-Black" style, and cleverly eluding the offensive embraces of two porters, who went "high" as usual, in the best V. C. tackling style, gained the train. A full muster enjoyed a short concert during the run from Porirua, "Auld Lang Syne" concluding as the lights of Wellington hove in sight. The Southerners were driven to the wharf and farewelled on hearty style—fine fellows and true sports every man, who will strenuously endeavour to recover in Dunedin some of the trophies lost in Auckland. If their efforts are crowned with success may we lose with as good grace as they have shown, but in the meantime, O men of Victoria College, see to it that your armour is kept bright, and your sword keen, against the fray.