THE HONGKONG GOVERNMENT GAZETTE, APRIL 17, 1919.
191
No. 181. It is hereby notified that the Lords Commissioners of the Treasury have now authorised banks in the United Kingdom to release deposits held by them in blocked accounts in respect of Belgian goods shipped from Holland to overseas destina- tions, provided that no payment is made to or for the benefit of enemies or to persons or firms who are on the Statutory Black List.
Certificates of origin will still be issued for goods of Belgian origin shipped to overseas destinations from both Dutch and Belgian ports.
No. 182. The following correspondence relating to the retirement of Sir HENRY MAY is published for general information.
A. G. M. FLETCHER, Colonial Secretary.
17th April, 1919.
GOVERNMENT HOUSE,
HONGKONG, 31st January, 1919.
DEAR SIR HENRY MAY,-On the 21st January, I received a telegram from the Secre- tary of State for the Colonies as follows:-
<<
'Greatly regret to inform you that Governor has tendered resignation which I have accepted from end of February with much reluctance and warm
C
(6
thanks for his long and distinguished services. I do not doubt that this feeling will be fully shared by the Colony for which he has done so much.
MILNER."
to which I replied as follows on the 22nd January :—
"I have received with very great regret your telegram of January 20th announ- "cing the resignation of the Governor. I propose to move a resolution.
at an early meeting of both Councils."
I also caused letters to be addressed to the senior Unofficial Members of the Execu- tive and Legislative Councils and to the Public Press of which I enclose copies.*
I also enclose a copy* of the proceedings at the joint meeting of both Councils held on the 25th January. The speeches delivered reflect the general feeling of the commu- nity of this Colony. On the eve of what it is hoped will be a period of great develop- ment the loss of your wide experience and knowledge will be deeply felt. I desire on behalf of the Colony to convey to you, to Lady MAY and to the members of your family an expression of sincere regret at your retirement, and of gratitude for the great services. that you have rendered.
Yours, &c.,
(Sd.) CLAUD SEVERN.
BUENA VISTA HOTEL,
COWICHAN BAY, B.C.,
9th March, 1919.
DEAR SIR, I have the honour to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of the 31st of January covering copies of telegraphic correspondence with Secretary of State for the Colonies on the subject of my resignation of the Governorship of Hongkong, together with a copy of the proceedings of a joint Meeting of the Executive and Legislative Councils held on the 25th January relating to the same subject.
* Not printed.