The following is the translation of the address read to the Governor:
"His kindness extends to the sick and diseased.
"Hongkong receives support from many seas and it has commercial intercourse with numerous Countries. Ships both large and small collect in its harbours, while Merchants and Traders here congregate together. Such is surely the destiny of the Island and accords with the decree of Heaven. But there are many who frequent this place coming from all quarters of the Globe, and who have no one on whom to rely. Some indeed are in imminent danger yet without medicine while others are on the point of death, whose case is all deserving of compassion. We, the Committee, are all Chinese, and how could we bear to see our fellow countrymen in a state so full of jeopardy? To found a Hospital has been our plan to meet these difficulties. In looking for a plot of land and means of supporting such a building, together with the obtaining a suitable site for a Cemetery, we have to thank His Excellency Governor MacDonnell for having memorialized the Queen of Great Britain, who has graciously bestowed on us a plot of land and a donation of money for our Hospital. Whatever has been requested in the matter by the community has been sanctioned with the evident desire of according with their wishes. Not only has the sympathy of the Governor been shown in matters regarding the dead, but he has manifested kindly feelings towards the living (sick). All can see that in the heart of His Excellency is cherished a desire to protect the people, and that he constantly meditates how to succour those in a precarious condition. To act charitably is his constant thought, and whatever painfully affects the people touches himself. His Excellency accounts all persons as members of one body, and people by his virtue live again,
"The foundation of this Hospital is a new step in Hong Kong, and extraordinary kindness and favour is shown by His Excellency in bestowing so much on us. Therefore we now offer our thanks to His Excellency for the completion of this great work, whereby the tendency of doing good is strengthened. Further, an interest is incited, and the desires of the people towards the same object are rendered firm and constant. Yet if the kindness of His Excellency had not been extended to the sick and diseased, how could their lives be prolonged? Now it is reported that His Excellency is about to return to his native country, and of those who have received the benefit of his kindness there is not one who will not be anxious to requite him for favours received - while those who have assisted in this good work feel also deeply grateful. Although we may not hinder his departure, yet for his welfare prayers will be offered even in the poorest houses, and the streets will resound with his praises. We have attempted in these few words to express our sincere good wishes towards His Excellency."
In the early part of 1897, when the Colony was brimming over with enthusiasm in devising the best scheme for permanently commemorating the Diamond Jubilee of her Majesty, Queen Victoria, an anonymous correspondent, writing to the Jubilee Committee over the nom-de-plume of "A Woman" suggested "that the most appropriate permanent memorial in this Colony would be a hospital for women, with a training institute for nurses in connection therewith."