LIEUT. T.E.Y. SEDDON’S EXPERIENCES.

Hokitika Guardian, 6 March 1917, Page 4

LIEUT. T.E.Y. SEDDON’S EXPERIENCES.

A Visit to Windsor Castle.

Lieut Seddou in the course of a chatty letter, says he had a splendid Cbristmas at Bigshot Park as one of the guests of the Duke of Connaught. There were three Canadian?, two Australians, one Soutja African, and Lieut Seddou. an overseas affair. The party included a Brigadier General, who was also an M.P. Strangely enough Lieut Seddou had motored previously with Miss Davidson of Kutnara and Captain Daosoy of N.Z. through portion of his electorate or division in the Like D.strict, Tbo Canadians, and in fact ail the party, were keen to know all about our little Dominion, end Mr Seddon made tbe most of our glorious country. He found the Duke a great Imperialist, and believes the Grand Old Man could bj induced to visit the Dominion after the war. He would, Mr Seddon says, be a very popular visitor.

“ It was a great honour,” continues oar soldier M.P., “to be shown over Windsor Castle by the Dake and Duchess and Princess of Connaught. They made it all so interesting, giving as they passed from room to room some personal reminiscences of Queen Vic curia, King Edwaid eto. We were privileged to Bee portions of the Casile which we may noc have seen, had not our hosts been taking us round. Their stories of the different pictures—the Ruebens, Van Dyks, Lanrence, etc., made the inspection most interesting The King himself gave permission for the party to see everything. However, we endeavored in half a day to see what Bhould have taken ns fully three days.

“The tapestries pourtrayiog events in the life of Esther were very fine, The Royal Chapel is a splendid sight. There are hung the banners of all the Knights of the Garter. Two or three ominous spaces—the banners no longer being displayed—show where the Kaiser and a few such unworthy Knights have been disgraced and their banners taken down. The Dake of Albany and the Duke of Clarence are buried here and their tombs are of beautiful marble.

“In the Castle the armoury is very Interesting. There there is a suit of armour which Charles I wore, and standing io a big hall is the huge suit ot mail of Henry VIII, which proves beyond doubt the generous proportions of that monarch. He must have been a giant, In a little alcove off tbe Library, where Qaeen Elizabeth’s ghost still walks, is the room where Qaeen Anne heard the news of the success of her arms under Marlborough. There, too, is the letter written by the General to the Qaeen informing Her Majesty of his victory.

“ In another room in a glass case is the finely embroidered long shirt that Charles II wore when he was beheaded'—a gruesome relic. In one reception room the whole of the pictures are by Ruebens—a feast for one’s eyes. In another only Van Dyk’s works are displayed. The room for the knighting of Koights of the Garter is furnished throughout in bine, the garter blue and gold, A ceremony there must be very imposing indeed. The bauquetting hall is immense. The portraits of all the Prime Ministers and Kings, busts and miniatures seem to be there, line upon line. Looking from one window we were shown where Henry VIII first saw Anne JBoleyn (often spelt Ballet?) and in a passage we saw a picture of Henry VIII and his beloved —in turn. It was all vastly interesting.

“ Ontside it was foggy. So we did not have a very clear view of the Castle audits wonderful tower. However we saw the famous Dutch.garden with its statuea and its yews, and we saw the famous Domesday Tree, and the old, old oaks ; the bronze statue cf George 111, as also one of Albert, and we saw the famous Virginia water. Altogether it was a memorable visit.

“The Duke showed his collection of plate. He takas a great interest in it, and will tell you the history of almost every piece. Hia presentations from Scottish regiments —representatives of Highlanders—were particularly fine pieces of work. Then his Canadian collection alone is superb. Also he has collections of his wedding presents and gifts when opening buildings, laying foundation stones.

presents from regiments—all make a glorious display. He is proud too of a Maori mere which my father presented him on behalf of some Maoris. It was interesting to find the greenstone represented in such a collection. The Indian collection is kept apart in another room. It, too, is wonderful, but did not interest me as much, for 1 knew nothing about Indian art works. The Duke h;;s been a great hunter, and his collection of heads requires a special hell.

“ The Duke has been on tbe front, and is keen to go agiin. He is a thorough soldier and a keen Imperialist. He knows Canada from coast to coast, but says he feels be ought to know Australia and New Zealand. However, he had a better knowledge of conditions prevailing in our Dominion than any man ! have met at Heme yet. Ha is remarkably like King Edward and shows much of tbe manner of that monarob. He is tactful and a close ob*orvci. In Canada, tbe Canadians told me, he d'd greet work, stimulated r6crniting and helped the raising of their armies and was grea lv beloved.”