20. We trust that the organisation and equipment given to the Volunteer Artillery will not only render that body efficient in any time of emergency, but will also tend to foster in our midst a patriotic spirit of national union and loyalty.
21. We agree with Your Excellency as to the urgent importance of placing Hongkong in that condition of defence which is rendered necessary by the magnitude of the interests, both Imperial and Colonial, which are here at stake.
22. We cannot bring this address to a close without repeating our grateful appreciation of the constant and enlightened attention devoted by Your Excellency to the requirements of all classes and races in this community, and to the initiation of measures calculated to promote the prosperity and advancement of this Colony. We trust that the loyal co-operation of the Governor and of the Legislative Council will, under the Divine Blessing, secure the general welfare and contentment of our population.