TWO QUEENS COMMEMORATED-1
As we have seen, the statues of two Kings, which embellish Hongkong's principal square, were unveiled on the same day, February 6, 1907, by the Duke of Connaught. The statues of Queen Alexandra and Queen Mary (then the Princess of Wales) were also unveiled on the same day - November 25, 1909, the birthday of King Edward.
The unveiling was part of a memorable day's doings, and was performed by the Governor of the time, Sir Frederick Lugard. The square was filled with spectators, and naval contingents as well as troops representative of all units in the garrison were in attendance. It was altogether an imposing sight.
The following are extracts from the full report of the proceedings which appeared the following day in the S.C.M.Post. In its issue of November 26, 1909, that paper states:
Those who witnessed yesterday's festivities will long remember them as the most brilliant held in the Colony for some years. At quite an early hour crowds were wending their way towards Statue Square; in fact all roads led there. Two stands had been erected close to the respective statues, and before eleven o'clock these were filled with a very representative gathering. The Governor was expected about ten o'clock, and before that hour all the troops had been placed in their positions, and were in readiness for the arrival of His Excellency. The greatest possible interest was manifested in the proceedings by the community, and crowds were pressing in every direction with the idea of obtaining a glimpse. Some were fortunate enough to have a view, but hundreds were unable to see it at all. All the places of advantage were taken, and numbers of people witnessed the ceremony from the verandahs of the buildings opposite. The troops included the massed bands, 100 men of the Royal Artillery, 40 files of the Hong Kong Brigade Royal Garrison Artillery, 70 files of the Royal Engineers, 90 files of The Buffs, 40 files of the 105th Mahratta Light Infantry and 40 files of the 13th Rajputs. There were also colour parties of The Buffs, Mahrattas and the Rajputs - all the units of Hongkong being thus represented.
A company of the Buffs was formed round the Statue of Queen Victoria, where the 13th Rajputs surrounded on three sides the Statue of Queen Alexandra. Facing it on the opposite side of the road were the 105th Mahrattas with the massed band behind. Another company of The Buffs was stationed at the side of the central figure of the Royal group, while on the other side, a good muster of the Hongkong Volunteer Corps were drawn up in line. Two companies of the R.G.A. were stationed at the entrance to the square at the Des Voeux Road end, while another body of the same regiment formed up on the Praya near the north end of Statue Square in readiness to fire the Royal Salute. A detachment of the Royal Engineers mounted guard around the Statue of the Princess of Wales.
The "tout ensemble" formed a brilliant spectacular display, of which Hongkong may well be proud. Everything was done with that promptitude and willingness characteristic of British soldiers and sailors, and not a single hitch occurred during the whole of the proceedings.
The arrival of H.E. the Governor was signalled by bugle call, and immediately afterward the massed bands played the National Anthem. His Excellency was then conducted to the dais in front of the statue, that of H.M. the Queen (Alexandra) by the Hon. Mr. E.A. Hewett, being accompanied by Commodore Lyon.