SIR MATTHEW NATHAN (Contd.)
159
735
"Your Excellency, It is with sincere regret that we come here to-day on behalf of the community of Hong Kong to present you with a farewell address ere you leave the Colony to take up the new appointment to which you have been called. It seems only that the other day you came amongst us, and we have not yet forgotten the speech you made on taking the Oath of Allegiance. We have remembered the aspirations and the hopes you then expressed, and marked with appreciation throughout your tenure of office your steady progress towards their achievement.
Paramount amongst these stand out the Kowloon Railway which is to connect us with Canton and the railway system of China. Through your energy and perseverance it assumed definite beginning and shape, and we trust the time for its completion is not far off.
"The sanitation of Hong Kong, always a momentous question has at all times received Your Excellency's earnest consideration and the report of the Commission appointed by you to enquire into the working of the Public Health and Building Ordinances, has but recently been placed into your hands. We await with great interest its publication.
"With conspicuous ability and unsparing energy you have devoted yourself to the many other important problems and duties which necessarily arise for the consideration and performance of the Governor of this Colony.
"The extension of the reservoir system: the progress of the public buildings under erection: the improvements in the system of storm signalling: the control of the Colony's finances and expenditure; and the steps taken by you to provide additional shelter for the boating population, all show evidence of your careful and attentive rule,
"Stimulated by you, the Volunteer movement received a new impetus, resulting in the existence to-day of a far greater number of the civilians well accustomed to the use of the rifle than ever before.
"In our schools too, you have constantly inculcated those scientific principles of education on which all true systems of youthful training must necessarily be based.
"We would refer to further evidence of Your Excellency's desire to assist the advancement of the industrial works of the Colony, shown by the inauguration of the Arts and Crafts Exhibition, an Exhibition which we trust will become an annual event.
"We wish you had been permitted to stay longer with us to guide and encourage towards completion the many interests which you have developed or progressed under your care.
"Your singleness of purpose, your impartiality, your strength and ability, your unflagging industry, and the dignity with which you have maintained your office, have commanded both our admiration and esteem.
"These qualities combined with your unfailing courtesy and unbounded hospitality, have created a high regard of Your Excellency in all sections of the community, to which is added, now that you are going a sense of actual loss.
"It only remains in the name of the Colony, to bid you farewell and to wish you every success in the new career opening out before you, well knowing that, in whatever part of the Empire you may be called upon to serve, its interest and traditions, in your hands, will always be securely guarded."