ST. HELENA 91 



the consequences were very serious, there being scarcely a 

 house unvisited by the scourge, which was of a virulent 

 type. Much suffering ensued, but hardly a death occurred, 

 and this speaks volumes for the climate. The same year 

 was the memorable one of our late good Queen Victoria's 

 Jubilee, and the people on the appointed day were early 

 astir, decorating their houses and the streets in honour of 

 the joyful event. H.M.S. Rifleman was in harbour, and 

 presented a pretty sight when dressed from stem to stern. 

 The troops were under the command of Major Miles, R.A., 

 and assembled on the Lower Parade ground. The Gover- 

 nor, attended by his staff and many officials, was received 

 by a guard of honour of the Royal Scots, under command 

 of Lieut. Brush. A special thanksgiving service was held 

 in St. James' Church, which was attended by the Governor 

 and Militia, as well as by the inhabitants, after which the 

 troops were drawn up in line on parade. The Governor, 

 attended by Captain Bruno, Staff-Surgeon Gunning and 

 Lieut. Pollock-Gore, inspected the line, after which a salute 

 of fifty guns was fired from Ladder Hill under command of 

 Captain Reynolds, R.A. After the seventeenth, thirty- 

 fourth and last round came a feu de joie from the troops on 

 parade, and simultaneously from the decks of the Rifleman. 



The various societies of the island were present,and marched 

 vigorously with banners flying. By all, the Jubilee Anthem 

 was vigorously sung, followed by " God save the Queen." 

 Before dispersing, an address was given by the Governor, 

 and after presentation of arms the troops marched off to 

 the music of the St. Helena band. The old and sick were 

 not forgotten, for the poorhouse was inundated with meats, 

 drinks, tobacco, pipes, etc., etc. It was intended that all 

 the children of the island should have had a tea on the 

 same day, but, owing to the outbreak of measles, many 

 were weak, and it was thought better to postpone it. In 

 the following month, when all were well and hearty, the 

 children had their merrymaking in Plantation grounds, 

 where everything possible was done to ensure their enjoy- 

 ment. The Jubilee day was brought to a close with a 

 fine display of fireworks. 



In July of this year occurred a disastrous fire, whereby 

 the counting-house and adjoining dwelling-house of Messrs. 



