GREAT PATRIOTIC MEETING AT SYDNEY. iSj heartily endorsed, and not only Mr. Dalley, who eloquently and earnestly supported and defended the action that he had been foremost to advocate, but other members of the government also, and even some of the most able and important members of the opposition, warmly accepted and applauded the exhibition of public spirit which had led to the practical recognition of the unity of the Australian colonies with Great Britain and the empire.

As early as the 20tb of February the action of the ministry had been endorsed at a great patriotic meeting held in the exhibition building in Sydney. The assembly had been convened by the mayor at the requisition of a very large number of citizens for the purpose of expressing sympathy with the action of the government in offering to send troops from New South Wales to assist the British arms in the Soudan, and to provide funds for the patriotic purpose of assisting the relatives of those who were to go to assert in Egypt the honour and loyalty of the colony. It was estimated that at least 12,000 people were present at this great demonstration, and the proceedings were opened by the mayor, who read various letters offering subscriptions, some of which were from officers of corporation, railway, and other official departments, contributing a day's pay from their entire staff to the fund.

The resolution proposed by the chief-justice Sir James Martin and seconded by Sir Patrick Jennings, " That this meeting endorses the prompt and patriotic action of the government of this colony in placing at the disposal of the imperial government a contingent of troops for service in Egypt, and accords its hearty approval of the same," was carried with a great outburst of applause and by an overwhelming majority. It Avas held by the vast meeting that if the government had waited for the convocation of parliament before deciding on the expedition they would have been too late, and the result of the meeting was the formation of a committee to receive contributions for and to administer a patriotic fund.

Two ministers of religion were attached to the contingent.

The Rev. H. J. Rose of Christchurch and St. John's, North Shore,