260 CHIEF commissioner's state visit. 



visit of ceremony from tlie Chief Commissioner, 

 who was expected immediately at Sukkur. A 

 flight of steps had been cut down the bank to the 

 water's edge, and a party of the Meer's Golim- 

 dauze, with two guns, had been brought out from 

 Khyrpoor, to fire a salute in honour of the Com- 

 missioner's arrival ; however His Highness had 

 to exercise his patience, as several days elapsed 

 before he made his appearance. 



The Meer's large Durbar tent, and several 

 others, were pitched for the expected interview, 

 and the State Charpoy, with silver legs, was 

 brought out for the occasion. Hote Singh, who 

 acted as Master of the Ceremonies, had also got 

 out a table, with chairs, and other requisites for 

 an entertainment, whereat champagne abound- 

 ed ; and though many ordinary essentials to 

 European comfort were forgotten, all passed off 

 very well. The Commissioner, when he did 

 come, was most gracious, and but little time was 

 lost in the empty ceremonies of the Durbar. The 

 salute due to his rank was fired on his arrival, 

 and after breakfast the Commissioner retired to 

 write letters, whilst the Meer and his other 

 guests went out shooting. Towards the decline 

 of day the Commissioner and his suite re-em- 



