EDWARD KING
In its short history, Hongkong has witnessed many colourful spectacles but few can compare with the celebrations beginning on Saturday, August 9, 1902 to mark the coronation of His Majesty King Edward VII and Her Majesty, Queen Alexandra.
At 10.15 a.m. a special meeting of the Legislative Council was held for the purpose of considering the terms of a congratulatory telegram to be sent to Their Majesties. Those attending the meeting were: His Excellency the Officer Administering the Government (Major General Sir W. Gascoigne) the Hon. Mr. F. H. May (Colonial Secretary) the Hon. Sir H. S. Berkeley (Attorney General), The Hon Mr. A.M. Thomson (Colonial Treasurer) the Hon. Commander R. M. Rumsey R.N., (Harbour Master), the Hon. Mr. W. Chatham (Director of Public Works) the Hon. Dr. F. W. Clark (Medical Officer of Health) the Hon. Dr. Ho Kai, the Hon. Mr. Wei A. Yuk, the Hon. Mr. C. S. Sharp, the Hon. Mr. C. W. Dickson and the Hon. Mr. R. Shewan. His Honour the Chief Justice, Mr. W. Meigh Goodman and Mr. W. Danby were also present.
The telegram sent to His Majesty read "The Executive and Legislative Councils of Hongkong on behalf of Your Majesty's subjects in this Colony beg most humbly to tender their heartfelt thanks for your Majesty's most gracious message received this day and to offer their loyal and respectful congratulations to you on Your Majesty's restoration to health and on the occasion of the Coronation of Your Majesty as King and Emperor and of Her Majesty Queen Alexandra, believing that the joyful event to be consummated to-day foreshadows a long and glorious reign for Your Majesties and an era of happiness, prosperity and honourable peace for Your Majesty's Kingdom and Empire.
The Hon. Dr. Ho Kai, and the Hon. Mr. Sharp supported His Excellency.
At 11 a.m., the Coronation Office appointed for the Anglican Church throughout the Empire was impressively rendered in St. John's Cathedral in the presence of a large congregation. The Officer Administering the Government, high Government officials, military and naval officers and members of the Consular Body occupied places of honour.
The clergy present included the Revs. F. T. Johnston, E. H. Good, G. A. Bundury, J. H. France, T. Wright, Fong Yat-san, and Mok Shau-tong.
The Roman Catholic subjects of His Majesty were not behind the others in displaying their loyalty. In response to an invitation from His Lordship, Bishop Piazzoli, a large congregation attended the Cathedral at 10.30 a.m., to offer special thanksgiving prayers on the recovery and the coronation of King Edward.
On arrival, the invited guests were received by the Rev. Fathers G. Spada and Augustine. Father Spada, Grand Old Man of Roman Catholicism in Hongkong, is still alive and active after a record of services in the Far East, excelled by very few.
Nearly all the members of the Parsee community attended a special prayer called Jasan, under the leadership of their President, Mr. H. N. Mody at the Club premises in Shelley Street. The religious service was conducted by their priest, Mr. Sorabjee Katrak.
Page 20
Page 21