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Here lay the difficulty, however, to get the community to agree on a definite proposal.
The presiding officer volleyed the ball back into the court of the community. He explained that there had been no move by the Government to propose definite plans because "His Excellency considers that any steps that may be taken with this object would no doubt be more fully appreciated by Her Most Gracious Majesty if they were the spontaneous act of the loyal community of Hongkong," though he definitely wished to reassure the public that the Government was ready to co-operate.
Hidden in the phrase "spontaneous act" was the seed of the muddle Hongkong got itself into over the jubilee plans.
Behind the scenes there had been planning strategy to promote a particular scheme. The plan for the park had the backing of influential people. Many, however, considered it inappropriate and wished to promote their own proposals.
There was some delay in holding a public meeting after the Government announced that it would wait for the public to make suggestions.
Mr. Chater had raised the question in the Legislative Council on February 11, 1887. At the time Hongkong was caught up in racing fever.
In those days the annual race meeting was restricted to three ordinary days and one off day during the last week of February. The days preceding were busy ones for owners, riders and punters. Many felt it obligatory to attend the early morning practice runs at the track.
Many of the leading figures of the community were absorbed in these preparations and had little spare time for arranging a public meeting.
Mr. Chater had one of the largest stables in association with his partner, Mr. Hormusjee Mody.