Life of Vice-Admiral Sir George Tryon (Paperback)

This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1898. Excerpt: ... CHAPTER XI. AUSTRALIA. On the 4th of December 1884 Rear-Admiral Tryon left England by P. & O. steamer Indus to take command of the Australian station; and he hoisted his flag on board the Nelson at Sydney on the 22nd January 1885, relieving Commodore Erskine. The growing importance of the Australian colonies, and the value of the strategic position which they occupy in the Western Pacific, decided the Home Government to place an admiral in command of the station instead of a commodore, and Tryon was the first admiral appointed. to the post. It was in every way an admirable selection; for Tryon's well-known social qualities, his frank, cheery, genial manners, and his love of hospitality, were qualifications only second--if second--to his high professional ability and knowledge, and were thoroughly appreciated by our Australian brethren in all the colonies, where his name is still remembered with kindly regard and veneration, and deep regret for his untimely and tragic death. The sympathetic and genuine interest which he took in all their public affairs--whilst judiciously steering clear of party politics--and the advice and assistance which he gave them in organising a suitable system of defence, both ashore and afloat, are gratefully remembered and acknowledged by those "potent, grave, and reverend seigniors" whose interest and activity extended beyond the field of social hospitalities and entertainments. With reference to the formation of the squadron of fast cruisers which is now maintained at the joint expense of the Australian colonies, and forms such an important feature in their scheme of defence, one of these leaders (Sir Samuel Griffith, Premier of Queensland) says: "I entertained a great admiration for Sir George Tryon, which was not in any way d...