300 HONG KONG LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL.
12th December, 1936.
PRESENT:—
HIS EXCELLENCY THE GOVERNOR (SIR ANDREW CALDECOTT, Kt., C.M.G., C.B.E.).
HIS EXCELLENCY THE GENERAL OFFICER COMMANDING THE TROOPS (MAJOR GENERAL A. W. BARTHOLOMEW, C.B., C.M.G., C.B.E., D.S.O.).
THE COLONIAL SECRETARY, (HON. MR. N. L. SMITH).
THE ATTORNEY GENERAL (HON. MR. C. G. ALABASTER, O.B.E., K.C.). THE SECRETARY FOR CHINESE AFFAIRS (HON. MR. R. A. C. NORTH). THE COLONIAL TREASURER (HON. MR. E. TAYLOR, C.M.G.).
HON. COMMANDER G. F. HOLE, R.N., (Retired) (Harbour Master).
HON. DR. A. R. WELLINGTON, C.M.G., (Director of Medical Services). HON. MR. R. M. HENDERSON, (Director of Public Works).
HON. MR. T. H. KING, (Inspector General of Police).
HON. SIR HENRY POLLOCK, Kt., K.C., LL.D.
HON. MR. J. J. PATERSON.
HON. MR. S. H. DODWELL.
HON. MR. J. P. BRAGA, O.B.E.
HON. MR. S. W. TS'O, C.B.E., LL.D.
HON. MR. T. N. CHAU.
HON. MR. M. K. LO.
HON. MR. A. W. HUGHES.
MR. A. G. CLARKE, (Deputy Clerk of Councils).
HONG KONG LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL. 301
VISITORS.
His Honour the Chief Justice, Sir A. D. A. MacGregor, Kt., the Hon. Sir Shou-son Chow, Kt., LL.D., and the Hon. Mr. R. H. Kotewall, C.M.G., LL.D., were present at the invitation of His Excellency the Governor.
RESOLUTION OF LOYALTY.
H.E. THE GOVERNOR.—When, less than a year ago, we met in this Chamber to pass a Resolution of condolence with Her Gracious Majesty Queen Mary and with all the Royal Family, on the death of our beloved King George V, and when (a week later) we passed our fervent Resolution of Loyalty to His eldest son, King Edward VIII, nobody could have foreseen what the very near future held in store for us. The possibility that the loyalty which we then pledged might involve the loyal acceptance of the abdication of a sovereign so dear to us was unthinkable. Nevertheless, the unthinkable has happened. I need not attempt here any verbal expression of the ordeal through which our British Commonwealth of Nations has just passed. Suffice it to say that, whatever difference there may have been in individual reactions to the recent painful developments, the psychology of them all has had one common basic factor: a strong love for the Throne and a deep desire that nothing shall impair its influence and stability. The storm has now passed, leaving behind it, alas, a sad wreckage of hopes and the cruel damage of disappointment; but, thank God, our royal House of Windsor stands up high, solid and unshaken, founded as it is not on any shifting sands of sentiment but on the firm bedrock of an Empire's grateful devotion. Let us therefore, gentlemen, with renewed courage and thankfulness pledge the love and loyalty of this Colony and this Council to His Majesty King George VI by passing the Resolution which it is now my privilege to move.
I will now read the Resolution:—
"We, the members of the Legislative Council of Hong Kong, assembled for the first time since the accession of our King George VI, desire on behalf of ourselves and of the whole people of this Colony to tender our humble duty, loyal devotion and affectionate homage to His Most Gracious Majesty and pray with one heart and voice that his reign over us may be long, happy, peaceful and glorious. God save the King."
HON. SIR HENRY POLLOCK.—As the Senior Unofficial Member, I beg leave to second the Resolution.
HON. MR. S. W. TS'O.—As the Senior Chinese Member of Council, I pray leave to support the Resolution.
H.E. THE GOVERNOR.—Gentlemen,—I shall now ask you to signify your assent to this Resolution by rising and standing with me in silence.
Members stood in silence.
302 HONG KONG LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL.
PUBLIC HOLIDAY.
H.E. THE GOVERNOR.—I take this occasion to remind Honourable Members that by statute of this Colony (Ordinance No. 5 of 1912, Section 3 (8)) the birthday of His Majesty the King, which falls on Monday next (the day after to-morrow) will be observed as a General Holiday. I regret that time does not admit of arrangements being made for the customary consular and general Receptions at Government House or for a Military Parade at Happy Valley; but the Royal Salute will be fired at 11 a.m. so as to synchronise with an abbreviated military ceremony and March Past by the Garrison Forces, the saluting base being in front of the portico of Queen's Pier. The March will be then continued along a route which will enable as large a number of our citizens as possible to participate as spectators in this celebration of His Majesty's Birthday.
ADJOURNMENT.
The House will now stand prorogued until the time and date already announced for its next Session.