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February 19, 1906.]
THE ROYAL
VISIT.
ARRIVAL OF H.R.H. PRINCE ARTHUR OF CONNAUGHT.
ENTHUSIASTIC RECEPTION.
On February 9th the Colony was agog with excitement. By daybreak everybody seemed on the tiptoe of expectation. The P. &O. steamer | Dongola bringing the Royal visitor was com paratively near, and the community had prepared itaelf to do H.R H. honour and to receive him with that loyalty which is characteristic of all British colonies. Although the death of the King of Denmark had thrown the Royal Family into mourning and necessitated the deletion of the more gay and festive events from the reception programme, the greeting accorded Prince Arthur of Connaught was of the heartiest nature and must have been ageeeable to His Royal Highness,
CHINA OVERLAND TRADE REPORT.
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the same time the marines on H.M.8. Diadem | Conselheiro Romano, Consul General for Portu- fell into line on the lower deck and presented gal and Consul for Brazil, with Mr. J. J. arms. Hon. Capta'n Barnes-Lawrence, dressed Leiria, vice-Consul; Mr. Gaston Liebert, Consul in his naval uniform, then cast off from Blake for France; Mr. M. Noma, Consul for Japan; Pier in the launch Victoria and proceeded to Mr. N. Post, Consul for Austro-Hungary; Dr. the Dongola to convey Prince Arthur asbore, Kruger, Consul for Germany; Mr. Volpicelli, Before His Royal Highness tran-shipped, Consul for Italy; while Captain Bragg, U.S. the guns from the warships belched Consul, was also present. Another distinguished forth a royal salute, which was the Prince's visitor was Right Rev. Bishop D. Possoni, who first welcome to the entrepot of the Orient. As His Royal Highness boarded the Victoria, the
was accompanied by Rev. Father de Maris, Royal Standard was hoisted at the bow, the launches formed into line on either side, and the Prince was conveyed to Blake Pier. Mr. Basil H. Taylor, Assistant Harbour Master, was responsible for the arrangements in connection with the official welcome on the harbour.
The pressmen were fortunate in having the steam launch Canada placed at their disposal, by Mr. A. H. Rennie, whose thoughtfulness was much appreciated. The Christine, Sir Paul Chater's launch, headed the east of the line of launches and the Canada the west.
AT BLAKE PIER.
The Chinese deputation was headed by the Hon. Mr. A. W. Brewin, the Registrar-General gentlemen:-Hon. Dr. Ho Kai, C.M.G., Hon. of the Colony, and was composed of the following Mr. Wei Yuk, Messrs. Fang Wa-chun, Lan Chu-pak, Ho Fook, Tang Chi-ngong, Leung Puishi, Chan Sin-ki, Chan Kangyne Wong Kam-fuk, Poon Yan-chnen, Ip Oi-ahan, She Po-sham, Chan Siu-pak, Choy Kwai-ng. Li Pak, Tang Lap-ting, Ip Shan-kam, Poon Tez-
Lai-chuen, Wei Lai-yue, Li Sau-hin Tong wan, Pang Tain-wan, Mck Tso-chuen, Yuen
Lai-chuen, Li Po-kwai, Kwan Fook-kuk, Hu It is interesting to note that this is the
Shun-chuen, Chan Pan-po, Leung Ngau-pan, fourth occasion in the Colony that it has been Naturally this was the chief point of interest. Li Shin-cho, Ng Lai-hing, Tseung Sa-kai, honoured by the presence of Royalty. The first As His Royal Highness was to land there and Cheong Tso-ting, Woog Fa-ming, Chu Tez- was in 1869 when the Duke of Edinburgh spent the official reception to take place here, the Pierning, Chan Lok-chuen, Chan King-wan, Chan a fortnight here, the second was in 1881, when was invested with a picturesque beauty quite Chi-hing, Siu Yuen-fai, and Tong Tsz-sau. Princes Albert Victor and George spent unusual and strangely in contrast with its At half past ten o'clock the guard of honour, Christmas in Hongkong, and the third was in customary dingy aspect, Lavish decoration, consisting of two subalterns (one of whom carried 1890 when the parents of our present Ral guest, tastefully carried out, served as an expression of the King's colours), 100 rank and file, with a the Duke and Duchess of Connaught, visited the the public welcome, in addition to the vocal proportion of sergeants, band of the 129th Duke Colony for a few days. Notwithstanding some greetings to be accorded the Prince. Perhaps of Connaught's Own Baluchis, was drawn up on differences of opinion engendered by the the first thing to catch the eye was the floral the pier, facing the eastern steps, under the manner of carrying out the arrangements, the design at the entrance which was a most effective command of Captain Hay. The space south of warmth and genuineness of the welcome combination of the emblems of Britain with those Blake Pier was kept by the Hongkong Police, yesterday extended to the representative of the of Japan, while Venetian masts carried a festoon while the route beyond was lined by detach. Royal Family indicate that there is no diminu-of greenery round to the grand stands. These ments furnished by the various military units. tion in that affection for the Throne which has were erected, one at either side of the approach, The R.G.A. were given the position from been so emphatically expressed on previous to accommodate a portion of the many citizens Blake Pier to Queen's Statute, the R. E. thence Royal visits. An added interest in the event who wished to view the ceremony, while in the to Des Voeux Road, the 2nd Royal West Kent was furnished by the mission on which Prince opposite corner of the new Post Office was Regiment from there to ricket Pavilion in Arthur has set out-the presentation of the another grand stand, this being flanked by Queen's Road, the H.K.S.B.R.G.A. from that Order of the Garter to the Emperor of Japan- open matsheds which provided coigns of vant point to Garden Road, the Hongkong Co. and by the part that the Japanese community age for numbers of native spectators. The R.E. from the corner of Garden Road to took in yesterday's proceedings.
balconies of the Canadian Pacific Railway Co's the main gate of Murray Barracks, the 119th offices also afforded ample opportunities for Infantry thence to St. Patrick's Club, and the enjoying a sight of the proceedings of which 129th from there to entrance gate, while the many availed themselves,
Hongkong Volunteers, under Major Pritchard, were given the honour of the position at Government House. All the troops were in extended order.
At one time the weather gave cause for anxiety. Rain fell heavily the previous day, but fortunately the downpour was so great as to be beneficial, cleaning the roads and clearing Bunting was the chief embellishment of the the atmosphere. The rosy dawn yesterday Pier. Underneath the roof of the matsbed were morning gave promise of an ideal day, and soon placed flags of all nations. These hung from the brilliant sunshine and balmy air rejoiced the side, while greenery imparted a very the hearts of all. Even the humblest sightseer pleasing appearance to the roof. The floor was was prepared to enjoy the spectacles which the laid with crimson cloth, on which the pot plants proceedings of the day furnished. As it was,ranged along the railings stood out in striking everything passed off as arrauged, and the imposing ceremony which was the principal feature of the day will not soon be forgotten by those who viewed it.
ON THE HARBOUR. The harbour and its environs were ablaze with decorations. The European buildings on the Praya were clad in flags while Chinese lanterns adorned the native houses, and the seafront from Blake Pier to West Point was lined with a dense crowd awaiting the arrival of the Dongola. Shortly after 8.30 a.m. the gun from the Peak announced that she was sighted, such announcement manifest- ing a scene of bustle on the harbour, numerous launches Alving the Union Jack at the peak und their national flags at the stern steaming about in all directions. With the exception of the men-of-war, nearly all craft in the harbour, from the sampan to the ocean liner, dressed ship, rari-coloured flags fluttering from the mastheads of the numerous junks anchored off West Point. His Majesty's ships flew the White Ensign at half-mast at the stern, a tribute of resp ot to the memory of the late King Christian of Denmark. The neatly-dressed river steamers lying at their various berths along the Prays added considerably to the effect of the harbour. displey, and this ལ་་ hanced by the adorned by many national flags while a prosiou of greenery encircled the staunchions supporting their awnings. Shortly after ten o'clock the Dongola was observed steaming round West Point, and then the launches congregated round Blake Pier. She was dressed, and flew the "flag of England” both fore and aft, as she followed in the wake of a police pinnace to the man-of-war anchorage. As soon as she was made fast to a buoy, H. E. the Governor boarded her and called officially on H. R. H. Prince Arthur; at
numerous launches which wo
contrast, while the massing of colour gave a tout ensemble which was delightful to the eye, Stout wooden railings and posts formed un enclosure which was necessary to the proper carrying out of the welcome.
When the signal gun was fired at 8.30 the neighbourhood of Blake Pier became thronged with an eager, curious crowd, mostly of natives, who, seemed thoroughly conscious of the importance of impending events. The police were in attendance and kept the thoroughfare clear for traffic. Before ten o'clock those who had the necessary tickets of admission to the enclosure began to put in an appearance and by half-past ten nearly`all the seats were| occupied.
About 10 o'clock most of the members of the Reception Committee were present. This body was constituted as follows:—
His Honour Sir Francis Piggott (Chairman), The Honourable Mr. W. Chatham, The Hon- ourable Mr. C. W. Dickson, The Honourable Mr. A. W. Brewin, The Honourable Capt. L. A. W. Barnes-Lawrence, The Honourable Dr. Ho Kai, The Honourable Mr. Wei Yak, The Honourable Mr. R. G. Shewan, The Honour- able Mr. Gershom tewart, The Hon. Sir C. P. Chater, C.M.G., Mr. F. J. Bade- ley Mr. E. A. Hewett, Mr. J. R. M. Smith, Mr. D. R. Law, Mr. S. T. Dunn, Mr. Lenog Pui-cbi, Lt-Col. C. H. Price, D.8.0., Capt. Savory, R.N., The Honourable Mr. H. E. Pollock, K.C., The Honourable Sir Heary S. Berkeley, The Honourable Mr. T. Sercombe Smith, Mr. E, H. Sharp, K.C., Mr. 8. A. Levy, Mr. E. Shellim, and Mr. C. E. H. Bearis.
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Most noticeable among the other arrivals were the Consular Corps, for whom and the Reception Committee the first three seats on each of the grand stands were reserved. The various Consuls, attired in uniform, were Senhor
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From 10.30 onwards officials began to have a busy time, and eager eyes were turned seawards to where the Dongola lay. A posse of native police was marched on the pier, followed, some time later by a detachment of the Royal West Kent Regiment, Now the crowds lining the Praya and Pedder Street had become quite dense, and only a sea of faces was to be seen as the eye glanced shorewards. There was a thrill of excitement when His Excellency, Major General Villiers-Hatton, with Colonel Darling and staff, arrived, but this was quickened when the Government launch Victoria was seen approaching. When it was moored at the wharf, His Excellency the Governor, accompanied by his aides-de-camp, stepped ashore, to the accompaniment of the National Anthem played by the band of the Baluchis. His Excellency, who wore the uniform of a Colonial Governor, exchanged greetings with several members of the Reception Committee, and entering his private chair was conveyed to Government House, there to welcome the Prince. Captain Armstrong, of the Hongkong Volunteer Corps, acted as honorary A.D.C. to His Excellency.
THE RECEPTION.
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Was
When the hour of eleven rang out the excitement became more intense. The Victoria, with the Royal party on board, now at the pier. From the Saluting Battery the Royal Artillery fired a royal salute, the signal for which was the dropping of the military pennant at the yard-arm of H.M.8. Tamar. As the Prince stepped ashore the Royal Standard on the pier was hoisted and from that moment, according to the prescribed etiquette, he was treated as a member of the Royal Family. The guard of honour saluted, the band played "God Save the King,” and the gentlemen uncovered. His Royal Highness and suite then advanced under the canopy of flags to the open space where the Reception Committee awaited him. The General Officer Commanding was by his side. Sir Francis Piggott went forward to great the Royal