“The next section into which Mr. Moore has placed me is the official one, and with regard to it I may say how fortunate I have been in having served under five such masters. It is not for me to make comparisons, or to refer to their respective policies, but I may be permitted to say, which I do from the bottom of my heart, that from one and all I invariably received the greatest kindness, and if I have succeeded in pleasing them, I am fully recompensed for any trouble I may have taken in the performance of my various duties; but, Gentlemen, I am afraid that at times the Military Secretary’s duty necessitates his doing things which may be displeasing to those who are affected. In such cases I can only say that I have endeavoured to do my duty to the best of my lights, and if I have at any time hurt anyone’s feelings in such matters, I have done so most unwillingly and to my great regret, and I should like to take this opportunity of stating how much indebted I am to all the different departments that I have had to deal with for the help, advice, and support that I have always received on all sides, and thanks to which my official work has been made comparatively easy--(cheers)--and when in a few weeks now I hand over the reins of my office to my successor, the best and kindest wish I can desire for his welfare is that he may be as ably supported and leniently dealt with as I have been--(hear, hear, and cheers). I think he starts his career under very favourable circumstances, having formerly served his apprenticeship on the Viceroy’s staff, and has thus become thoroughly conversant with all the details of that staff. He (Colonel Durand) is a real good soldier; most popular with everybody who knows him--(cheers)--and I only hope when the time comes for him to have finished his turn of office as Military Secretary he will be able to look back to as many happy days and warm friendships made as I can--(cheers).