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erect bridges at the crossing of the brook, for these purposes the surplus funds of the meeting will probably suffice.”
From the beginning Hongkong races were a paying proposition.
Some forty years later at the time of the Queen's Jubilee there seemed an excellent chance that again marked improvements would take place in the Valley, enhancing the setting for the annual race meeting.
Failure to take into account the interests of the whole community, particularly the Chinese, however, defeated the effort.
WHY THE CHINESE OPPOSED VICTORIA PARK
When Mr. Chater rose at a public meeting in March 1887, to propose that as a permanent memorial of the Queen's Golden Jubilee a park be formed at Happy Valley, he spoke confidently of its advantages. Nonetheless, he may have had some qualms about its popularity as it had already provoked strong opposition since he first mentioned it at a Legislative Council meeting in February.
In affirming his confidence in the proposal, he said: “I feel sure if this park be carried out and completed it will be a source of great pleasure to the European community of Hongkong; it will be a very agreeable drive and a pleasant lounge in the afternoon.”
Unfortunately those of the community who owned horses or carriages for a drive or had the leisure to "lounge" in the afternoon were a small proportion of the total population. These were activities seldom indulged in by the Chinese.
Mr. Chater admitted they might not view the project in the same way as Europeans. But in justification he said: “I am equally sure the Chinese community will also approve of and appreciate it in the course of time.”
Following Mr. Chater's remarks on his resolution and the seconding speech by the acting Attorney General, Dr. Ho Kai rose to speak. His views may be regarded as those of the Chinese community.