In all the Dominions we were received with the warmest of welcomes and most generous hospitality—­governments, municipalities and corporations vieing with each other in doing us honor, whilst private individuals loaded us with kindness.  It was clear that our mission was popular, and clear too that affection for the old country was warm and lively.  I cannot attempt to narrate all that was done for us—­banquets, receptions, excursions, garden parties, concerts—­time and space will not allow.  But I cannot be altogether silent about the splendid special train which the South African Government placed at our disposal from the time we left Capetown until we reached Johannesburg, which (taking evidence at the various places on the way) occupied several weeks.  This sumptuous train consisted of dining car, sleeping cars and parlour car, was liberally staffed and provisioned; with a skilful chef, polite and attentive waiters and attendants.  It was practically our hotel during those forty days or more.

In Australia and New Zealand, more than once, the various governments provided us with special cars or special trains to visit their remoter districts with the greatest possible comfort.  The same was the case in Newfoundland, whilst the Canadian Government lent to us a steamer—­the Earl Grey—­for our journey from Rimouski to Newfoundland, which since has done good service for the Allied cause in the war.

In Canada we travelled from Montreal to Prince Rupert, some 3,000 miles, in a handsome and most commodious car kindly lent to us by Sir Daniel Mann, one of the founders of the Canadian Northern Railway.  It, too, was our home and hotel during the ten days which that journey occupied.  The longest passenger vehicle I had ever seen, it had ample kitchen, dining room, sitting room, sleeping and “observation” accommodation for us all, with an excellent bathroom and the luxury of a shower bath.

On all our journeys to and from the Dominions, and in all our expeditions by sea or by land, my wife accompanied me.  She was an excellent traveller.  There is considerable difference in our years; but, as Dickens has said:  “There can be no disparity in marriage save unsuitability of mind and purpose.”  The only lady who accompanied the Commission everywhere, she was sometimes called “The Lady Commissioner.”  One must not praise one’s own, but this much I may say:  Her Irish wit and bright unselfish ways made her, everywhere and always, a welcome addition to the Commission party.

After November, 1916, we held no more public sittings, took no further evidence, but sat down at Spencer House (one of the many stately London residences lent by their owners to the Government during the war) and there, in its ballroom, industriously worked out our Final Report.  This, of course, reviewed the whole subject of our inquiry and embodied our final conclusions and recommendations.  To the credit of the Commission be it said, these conclusions and recommendations were entirely unanimous, as also were those in each of our Interim Reports, published in connection with the Dominions separately.