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visitor, who shook hands with his Honour. The latter introduced the following gentle- men to His Royal Highness: Dr. Ho Kai, Captain Badeley, the Hon. Mr. R. Shewan, the Hon. Mr. Gershom Stewart, the Hon. Mr. H.
E.
Pollock, Captain Barnes-Lawrence, Mr. Basil Taylor, Mr. A. Seth, Mr. N. Mody, Mr. E. H. Sharp, K.C., Mr. Shellim, Mr. Hewett, Mr. J. R. M. Smith, Mr. Levy, and Mr. Beavis, the secretary of the Reception Committee.
Sir Francis Piggott then presented an address of welcome, which he read as follows:- "To His Royal Highness Prince Arthur Frederick Patrick Albert of Connaught, K.G., G. C. V. O.
落着
May it please your Royal Highness. "The subjects in Hongkong of His Majesty the King offer your Royal Highness a very cordial welcome.
"This visit pleasurably recalls that of His Royal Highness the Duke of Connaught, with whose name the extension of the city adjoining this pier, and the rapid growth of the Colony which has resulted therefrom, are intimately associated.
"The high mission on which Your Royal Highness is now proceeding is connected with the foundation of a friendship of special value to this Colony as the part of the British Empire nearest to the Empire of Japan. The welfare of Hongkong depends on the universal peace which the alliance between the island kingdoms of the East and West will tend to secure, on the commerce which that peace should extend, and on the efforts and public spirit of the inhabitants who are profoundly impressed by the bright example of Japan in these respects.
"We trust that your Royal Highness will derive pleasure from this visit, and will realize that, thongh our Colony is small in area aud of comparatively recent acquisition, its proud status as the greatest shipping port in the world, and its situation as the advanced post in the Far East of the Empire ruled over by our beloved King, render it by no means the least important part of His Majes y's Dominions.
Our fellow residents of other than British nationality, whose enterprise and industry, finding full scope under the freedom and pro- tection of the British flag, have assisted in the development of the Cclony, join in the welcome it now offers to You Royal Highness."
"9th February, 1906."
His Royal Highness accepted the address, which was enclosed in a blackwood case, and, in reply, said:--
• f
Sir Francis Piggott and Gentlemen,--I have to thank you very much for the address of welcome which you have presented to me on behalf of His Majesty's subjects in Hongkong. I am glad that the Mission with which I am: harged has given me an opportunity of visit ing this important shipping centre, of whose importance I am well aware. I thank you for your reference to my father and I am glad to learn that his name is associated with such signs of progress as those mentioned in the address. I shall not fail to inform His Majesty the King of the striking expressions of loyalty which have been exhibited in the welcome you are good enough to accord ma to-day.
Then the Hon. Dr. Ho Kai, who was associated with the Hon. Mr. Wei A Yuk, next came for- ward and presented an address on behalf of the Chinese Community. This was in the form of a Chinese scroll, and was inscribed on yellow silk. This work of art was greatly admired as it was exposed on a stand. The translation was read as follows :-
"The Humble Address of the Chinese of Hongkong to his Royal Highness Prince Arthur Frederick Patrick Albert of Connaught, K. G., G. C. V. O.
THE HONGKONG WEEKLY PRESS AND
"May it please Your Royal Highness,-We the Chinese of Hongkong, representatives, mer- chants and others, humbly acknowledge that we have long found a safe refuge under the shelter of the August Ruler of the British Empire We feel with gratitude His Majesty's quicken." | ing influence and thank him for the manifold blessings wherewith he has enriched us. From his Government we have received guidance and support; under the rule of his Ministers peace and concord.
"Earnestly and often we have striven to repay in some measure the kindness shown to us, and
now we hail with respect and joy the fortunate arrival of your Royal Highness Prince Arthur of Connaught.
"In your bands are the jewelled greetings from the King's palace, and you bear them with Royal ceremony to the Easteru Isles. On this happy day of the second month the wheels of your princely chariot are stayed by the fragrant streams
You come as a glorious cloud to this distant land and as a downpour of timely rain. Your banners descend from Heaven and the longings of your people are fulfilled. As your escort enters our loyal Colony at every door shouts of joy arise.
"Heir of Kings! You have laid aside the dignity of your Royal birth to labour for the peace and prosperity of the nation. Deep we bow in admiration and our loving reverence is increased a thousandfold, We pray that virtue and happiness may be multiplied unto you and we beseech you deign to listen to us while with one heart and voice we join with our rude verses in the universal song of praise:-
4
Gentle Fold and Simple, by the Fragrant
River,
Bathed in a King's Mercy, find Refreshment
ever.
Happy Day when King's Son, hither
journeying,
Bringeth for our Winter seasonable Spring. Swelleth Seed and bloweth Mead, Nature
bourgeoneth,
Day-star of all Countries, at thy quickening
breath.
Through a thousand Autumns shall thy Glory
stand
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For a sure Projection to our peaceful Land.' Dated on a lucky day in the second month of the year 1906,"|
His Royal Highness accepted it, and replied in the following terms:-
Dr. Ho. Kai and Gentlemen,-I thank the Chinese of Hongkong for the address of wel- come with which they have met me bere to-day. I shall have the honour to inform His Majesty the King at the earliest opportunity of the ex- pression of the cordial sentiments of their goodwill embodied in the address,
This
Mr. Noma, on behalf of the Japanese residents in Hongkong, also presented an address of wel- come, expressed in the native tongue, was enclosed in a silver casket. The translation of the address was read as under :-
"To His Royal Highness Prince Artbur Frederick Patrick Albert of Connaught, K.G., G.C.V.O.
"Sir,-On behalf of the Imperial Japanese subjects resident in His Britannic Majesty's Colony of Hongkong, I have the honour of participating in the pleasurable duty of respect. fully greeting Your Royal Highness upou your safe arrival here to-day after a long voyage through varying climes on route to our country bearing the Royal Mission of His Majesty the King of Great Britain to the Imperial Court of Japan.
"It gives us the utmost happiness to welcome Your Royal Highness in such an excellent state of health.
"I venture to express the hope that your gracious Mission will further promote the cordial relations which now exist between the two Imperial Courts, to the joy and happiness of both nations, Great Britain and Japan.
The Japanese residens enjoying the benefits of benign protection in this Colony respectfully beg to take this opportunity of offering their hearty Banzi to Your Royal Highness."
"
b
(Signed) MASAICHI NOMA, Sixth Junior Grade of the Court Order. "Sixth Class of the Order of the Sacred Treasure."
"9th February, 1906."
Prince Arthur, having accepted the address, made the following reply :-
Mr. Noma and Gentlemen.I thank the Imperial Japanese subjects resident in Hong- kong for the address of welcome they have been good enough to present to me to-day. I shall not fail to transmit to His Majesty the King of Great Britain the expressions of welcome and goodwill contained in their address. The high honour of the reason of my journey to Japan makes the occasion of my visit there a most welcome one.
EN ROUTE to goveRNMENT HOUSE,
As His Royal Highness moved off cheers were raised, and the band played appropriate
$8
[February 19, 1906, selections. He and his suite entered special chairs carried by coolies wearing Government nniform, and were escorted by a posse of police to Government House. company
Each half presented arms
the Prince arrived, and opposite the Murray_Barracks the band of the Royal West Kent Re- giment, which had previously been discours- ing selections on the new Parade Ground, played the National Anthem, The route traversed by the Royal party was by Connaught Road, Wardley Street, Queen's Road, past the Peak Tram Station to Government House, where the band of the 119th Mooltan Regiment, which had been playing selections on the lawn, struck ap the National Anthem on, the arrival of the Prince, who was received by the Governor, All along this course vast crowds had assembled, pressing the soldiers who kept the route, but the people were good-natured and nothing untoward occurred. In the neighbourhood of the Queen's Statute the line of matsheds was easily adapted for a fine display of bunting, while a graceful touch to the general scheme of adorament was the plants which surrounded the base of the statute of the Prince's father, the Duke of Connaught. Though a picturesque effect was not intended, yet that was the result of the hundreds of blue-gowned coolies taking up positions on the ledge from Queen's Road to Battery Path; but while their point of view was not parti.
than that of the many others who were hanging cularly comfortable, it was considerably safer
from bamboo scaffolding at various buildings on the route. Then it was interesting also to note the numerous flags which were flying from the buildings in Queen's Road. The Parade Ground accommodated many spectators, as did also the immediate environs of the Cathedral, while & large number assembled in the vicinity of Government House.
The Prince's suite was composed of Lord Redesdale, K.C.V.O.. C.B., member of the Mission, Captain Wyndham, Equerry to H.R.H., and Mr. M. W. Lampson, of the Foreign Office, Admiral of the Fleet Sir Edward Seymour, G.C.B.. O.M., member of the Mission, General Sir Thomas Kelly-Kenny, G.C.B., member of the Mission, Colonel Arthur David- son, C.V.O., C.B., Equerry to His Majesty the King.
The Price and suite had tiffin with His Excellency, after which the Governor and his Royal guest had a walk through the city, returning later to
which
THE GARDEN PARTY,
Government House.
was given by His ExcelleLoy at In response to the gubernatorial invitation there was an ex- ceptionally large attendance, which must have numbered over a thousand ladies and gentlemen, It was not confined to the Occidental population, but included not a few Japanese and Chinesa guests. The beautiful grounds were seen to advantage in the afternoon sunshine, and the magnificent view of the harbour, gay with a very numerous and prettily-dressed flotilla, evoked expressions of admiration. The band of the 2nd Battalion Royal West Kent Regiment discoursed attractive music.
His Excellency received his guests, cordially greeting each on arrival, though the almost count- less stream of arrivals at the outset must have proved somewhat of a strain. The Prince, with his suite, was present, and leading members of the community were introduced to him. The side+- de-camp of the Governor were assiduous in their efforts to secure the pleasure and comfort of all present, refreshments being served in the | dining room.
Among those present were His Excellency the General Officer Commanding and Mrs, Villiers Hatton, Admiral Sir Gerard Noel and Lady Noel, Sir Henry, Lady and the Misses Berkeley, Sir Francis and Lady Piggott, Sir Paul Chater, Hon. Captain, Mrs. and Miss Barnes-Lawrence, His Honour Mr. Justice Wise. Hon Mr. T. Sercombe Smith, Hon. Mr. A. M. Thomson, Hon. Mr. A. W. Brewin, Hon. Mr. and Mrs. W. Chatham, Hon. Mr. R. Showan, Hon. Mr. and Mrs. Gershom Stewart, Hon. Mr. H. E. Pollock, K.C., Hon. Mr. C. W. Dickson, Hon. Dr. Ho Kai, Hon. Mr. Wei Yuk, Hoo. Dr. and Mrs. Francis Clark, Mr. E. H. Sharp, K.C.
2
The playing of the National Anthem at 5:80 rought the al fresco proceedings. to a close. --
القناة الي الله
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