advanced a loan of L400,000, at a low rate of interest, for that object.  Another instance I could quote, in connection with the history of that interesting native territory—­Basutoland.  You remember how that country was handed over to the Cape Colonists, and that for various reasons the management of the Basutos got beyond their power, the result being that the Imperial Government went to the aid of the Cape Colony and took back Basutoland.  I mention these cases because they illustrate an aspect of affairs which is, I think, apt to be neglected.  We at home—­and certainly those who have enjoyed the kind hospitality of their brethren in South Africa—­wish to do all we can to aid our fellow-countrymen in that part of the globe.  We do not wish to interfere, and I should like to see this put forward as the grand and final policy of South Africa—­that we are ready to aid that portion of the Empire, but set our faces against interference.  In conclusion, I will add that I am sure all of us congratulate Sir Frederick Young on having so successfully accomplished his arduous journey, returning to us, as he does, in better health than when he left.  If you wish to renew your youth, and grow younger instead of older, follow his example—­make a trip through South Africa, sleeping in the open veldt.

Dr. SYMES THOMPSON:  Another year’s experience has confirmed and strengthened my conclusions as to the remarkable salubrity of the South African climate in cases of chest disease and of nerve wear, which I laid before the Royal Colonial Institute in November last.  While regarding the neighbourhood of Cape Town and Grahamstown as beneficial for a short sojourn, among the upland stations I would call attention to Middelburg and Tarkestad.  Hotel accommodation and adequate comfort for invalids, as regards food, quarters, attention, occupation, and amusement, are still most deficient.  During the recent drought the dust storms proved very trying to the eyes and to the bronchial membranes at Kimberley, and at Johannesburg the dangers were great.  I rejoice to learn that Sir Frederick Young has found his winter trip so health-giving, and believe that a similar expedition might prove of immense value to many Englishmen who are overwrought in body or in mind.

The CHAIRMAN (the Right Hon. the Marquis of Lorne, K.T., G.C.M.G.):  I propose a hearty vote of thanks to Sir Frederick Young for his kindness in reading the Paper.  I was extremely interested myself, as I think you all were.  In his political observations, and in speaking of a firm policy, I think that, after all, what the reader of the Paper meant was firmness in allowing each nationality to develop itself as it best might, with aid from home.  I think that is the sense of his observations, and I am sure we are obliged to him, not only for speaking of more personal matters, but also for telling us the actual impressions he derived from the journey.  I entirely