The concert was thoroughly successful, and we all owe hearty thanks to M. Michaux, its devoted organiser.
At about 7.30 we separated for dinner.
Afterwards, some strolled along the shore, others entered the Casino Gardens, and all were quite content till the parting hour, when the Boulogne members returned to their homes, while I had to return to Dover by the one o’clock boat.
No longer did the wind blow, and the weather promised to be perfect for the automobile boats, which cannot yet endure rough seas.
August 8th begins! The elements applaud the Esperantist fête.
Everything imaginable has been done to make the gathering successful.
The visitors had special tickets at a lower rate, and the booking-clerk allowed that rebate only to persons wearing the green star. A capital idea!
Just before the arrival of the Esperantists the auto-boat race ended. France had gained the victory. Our neighbours thus showed their go-ahead qualities in this matter, as well as in Esperanto.
But what a sight! Tiny boats tearing over the smooth sea, at times almost hidden by the foam-curtain, which was thrown up by the tremendous pace through the water. Even the torpedo destroyers which accompanied them kept up with difficulty.
This race probably delayed our visitors’ arrival. Certainly they missed an hour in England, but gained a longer roasting in the sun’s rays.