32 HONG KONG LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL.
12th May, 1937.
PRESENT:―
HIS EXCELLENCY THE OFFICER ADMINISTERING THE GOVERNMENT (MR. N. L. SMITH, C.M.G.).
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. R. A. C. NORTH, Acting).
THE ATTORNEY GENERAL (HON. MR. C. G. ALABASTER, O.B.E., K.C.). THE SECRETARY FOR CHINESE AFFAIRS (HON. MR. R. A. D. FORREST, Acting). THE COLONIAL TREASURER (HON. MR. W. J. CARRIE, Acting).
HON. MR. R. M. HENDERSON, (Director of Public Works).
HON. DR. A. R. WELLINGTON, C.M.G., (Director of Medical Services). HON. MR. T. H. KING, (Inspector General of Police).
HON. COMMANDER J. B. NEWILL, D.S.O., R.N., (Retired) (Harbour Master, Acting). HON SIR HENRY POLLOCK, KT., K.C., LL.D.
HON. MR. J. J. PATERSON.
HON. MR. CHAU TSUN-NIN.
HON. DR. LI SHU-FAN.
HON. MR. M. T. JOHNSON.
MR. A. G. CLARKE, (Deputy Clerk of Councils).
ABSENT:―
HON. MR. LO MAN-KAM.
HON. MR. LEO D'ALMADA E CASTRO, JNR.
HONG KONG LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL. 33
VISITORS.
His Honour the Chief Justice (Sir A. D. A. MacGregor, KT.), the Hon. Mr. R. H. Kotewall, C.M.G., LL.D., and His Honour the Puisne Judge (Mr. R. E. Lindsell) were present at the invitation of His Excellency the Officer Administering the Government.
MINUTES.
The minutes of the previous meeting were confirmed.
NEW MEMBERS.
The Hon. Mr. R. A. D. Forrest (Acting Secretary for Chinese Affairs), made affirmation and assumed his seat as a member of the Council.
MOTIONS.
H.E. THE OFFICER ADMINISTERING THE GOVERNMENT.― Gentlemen,―It is my very honourable privilege to-day to move the Resolution which stands in my name.
It is precisely five months ago to-day that a Resolution was passed in this Chamber of loyal devotion and affectionate homage to His Majesty King George VI on the occasion of His Accession; and I suppose that to some superficial observers of the events which led up to that Accession it may almost have seemed that the British nation was at that time chiefly concerned in perpetuating the Monarchy as a political institution.
I venture to express the opinion that the mature judgment of future historians will reach a wholly different conclusion, and will decide that the remarkable sequence of events that we have witnessed in the brief two years between the Silver Jubilee celebrations of His late Majesty King George V and to-day's Coronation have made it abundantly manifest that the British Commonwealth is not composed of theoretical units bearing a theoretical allegiance to a theoretical Monarchy, but is composed rather of human individuals having in their hearts a very personal love and devotion for Him whom we are accustomed to describe, in the formal language with which as a Nation we traditionally conceal our deepest sentiments, as the King's Most Excellent Majesty.
Gentlemen, I have the honour to move:―
That a telegram in the following terms, conveying the loyal and respectful congratulations of the people of the Colony, be sent to the Secretary of State for the Colonies for submission to His Majesty the King:―
"The Executive and Legislative Councils and Judges of Hong Kong, on behalf of Your Majesty's subjects in the Colony,
34 HONG KONG LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL.
desire most humbly to offer their loyal and respectful congratulations on the occasion of the Coronation of Your Majesty as King and Emperor and of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth. We pray that the event which is celebrated to-day may inaugurate 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 CHIEF JUSTICE.―Your Excellency,―There is no one in this Chamber; there is no one in this Colony; there is no one in fact throughout the length and breadth of the British Empire who does not fervently echo every word that Your Excellency has said. There is no one whose heart on this great day is not inspired with the sincere hope that our beloved King and Queen may long be spared to reign over us, and with the prayer that the ceremony of dedication through which our King and Queen are shortly to pass will mark the beginning of a reign of happiness for them, of prosperity for the Empire over which they rule and of peace for the whole world. It is my proud privilege to second the motion which stands in Your Excellency's name on the Order Paper.
HON. SIR HENRY POLLOCK.―As Senior Unofficial Member, I beg to support the motion.
HON. MR. KOTEWALL.―In the name of the Chinese community, I beg to support the motion.
H.E. THE OFFICER ADMINISTERING THE GOVERNMENT.― Gentlemen,―I will ask you to signify your assent to the Resolution by rising and standing with me.
The Resolution was carried unanimously.
LOYAL ADDRESS.
H.E. THE OFFICER ADMINISTERING THE GOVERNMENT.― Gentlemen,―As to-day's proceedings are being broadcast I think it is proper that I should now announce the terms of the Loyal Address which everyone at this table has to-day signed in the name of the Colony of Hong Kong, and which will in due course be transmitted to the Secretary of State for the Colonies for submission to His Majesty the King.
The Address reads as follows:―
"To His Most Gracious Majesty George VI of Great Britain, Ireland and the British Dominions beyond the Seas, King, Defender of the Faith, Emperor of India. May it please Your Majesty,
Your Majesty's subjects in the Colony of Hong Kong desire most respectfully to tender their humble duty to Your Majesty and to express their loyalty and devotion to Your Majesty's Throne and Person on this auspicious occasion of Your Majesties' Coronation.
HONG KONG LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL. 35
They desire to tender their heartfelt congratulations and good wishes to Your Majesty and Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth and pray that by the Grace of God Your Majesty may long be spared in health and happiness to guide the destinies of the great Empire over which You rule.
The Colony of Hong Kong has grown in wealth and importance in the ninety-six years of its existence and looks forward with confidence to enhanced prosperity under Your Majesty's beneficent rule.
In commerce Hong Kong is the southern gateway to China. In its great harbour the ships of all nations assemble. In its population all nations are represented. Its growth and stability are a living monument to British enterprise and Chinese industry, the two peoples working together in peace and harmony.
The deep reverence in which Your Majesties are held by your faithful subjects is shared by all the residents of Hong Kong. The large Chinese population which finds peace, order and good government in this Colony desires in particular to associate itself with the congratulations and good wishes which will be showered upon Your Majesties on this memorable day from all parts of Your Majesty's world-wide possessions."
ADJOURNMENT.
H.E. THE OFFICER ADMINISTERING THE GOVERNMENT.― Council stands adjourned sine die.