February 19, 1906.]
CHINA OVERLAND TRADE REPORT.
121
In accordance with the desire of the commit-
of the whole scheme which could only have been ↑ nearly midnight, the passengers travelling to secured by the mutual co-operation and good- the Kowloon shore so as to have the op-fee, there was a fair attempt at illumination in will of all who were concerned in its production.portunity of viewing the city from His Royal Highness wishes his warmest the water. The stately residences on the thanks and congratulations conveyed to those Peak, clad in red lanterns arranged who assisted, on the admirable result to suit the tastes of the various owners, looked of their design and labours, and to state most becoming, while winding up the hill with that the beautiful and effective display will lanterns on either side of it, the Peak tramway always remain in his recollection as a most looked like an immense serpent. The Chinese gratifying proof of the fervent loyalty of the houses along the Praya at Connaught Road King's subjects in the Colony, of the valued West were lighted up with a large pattern of friendliness of its other inhabitants, and of the Chinese lantern, while the dark waters of the kind and cordial feeling exhibited to H.RH. harbour were in many places lighted by ships by all classes of the community during his visit which in place of their previous day's bunting to Hongkong. I am, dear Sir Matthew, assumed the more appropriate adornment of
lanterns.
THE PRINCE'S DEPARTURE.
Yours sincerely. Arthur Davidson. SUNDAY'S PROCEEDINGS, #On Sunday the Prince lunched privately with
It was unfortunate that with the exception the officers of the Duke of Connaught's Own of
the first day, the weather attending Baluchis at Kowloon, and during the afternoon the Royal visit to Hongkong has been most visited the Peak, though unfortunately the disagreeable. On Tuesday H. R. H. and suite conditions were not such as to give the scene its accompanied H. E. the Governor on a trip into characteristic beauty, In the evening he dined the New Territory. The party proceeded as -privately with His Excellency Sir Gerard Noel.
far as Taipo, and appeared to be much interested in all that they saw, despite the unfavourable conditions.
IN CHINATOWN.
The eastern end of the city made a worthy dis- play at night. Shopkeepers hung huge lanterns in front of their premises, while more elaborate portions of the general illumination were found at the French Convent and the godowns fronting Queen's Road. Strings of lanterns lighted up what would otherwise have been a rather sombre part of the thoroughfare, while rarions arches illuminated at night, added considerably to the general effect. On the Praya East there were one or two special attempts at complimentary illumination, the most notable being on the front of the French Convent where the arrange- ment of jets formed the words "Vive le Prince Arthur
were
but
Undoubtedly the most striking feature of the native welcome was the many triumphal arches seen in town. As this is the first time they have been erected in honour of a Royal visitor it is the greater compliment to the Prince and a pleasing tone of their appreciation of the rale under which the Chinese live here. Not merely one or two
erected, somewhere about twenty adorn Queen's Road and adjoining streets. Built to a great height, some. five or six storeys-they illustrate the Chinese skill in scaffolding and their striking taste in decorative work. On all there was beautiful carved work, representing scenes in Chinese history and on all there were signs of welcome to the Prince. Dragon temples placed at the base of the pillars added to the general effect, as did also the plants and flowers with their abundance of colour. Perhaps the most conspicnons of all were the three arches found at the junction of Queen's Road, Holly- wood Road, Jervois Street and Bonham Strand. It was a picturesque combination, and when seen in varied coloured lights at night presented a spectacle not likely to be soon forgotten. Ia the vicinity of the Harbour Office was another trio of these artisic structures, while a pleasing effect was obtained by the junk made of light gelatine substance erected at the rear of the Harbour Office, its hulk and sails a mass of light. Eastwards at the junction of Queen's Road and Praya East stood another imposing erection, and further on was another placed over the front of a contractor's shop. At the mona ment was another group, which included floral tableaux over the water-way. A form of Punch and Judy show was a common feature of the native quarter, and attracted large crowds which practically made the streets impassable.
After dinner at Government House the Royal party entered chairs and escorted by a posse of police proceeded through the principal thoroughfares to Blake Pier.
Although the Prince was not expected to embark till 10 o'clock there had assembled at Blake Pier, which under the superintendence of Mr. Tooker was brilliant with bunting and lamps both Japanese and Chinese, a large attendance. Outside the enclosure a crowd thronged the approaches, while sightseers viewed the proceedings from neighbouring balconies and not a few necupied seats on the temporary grand stands. Among those ou the pier
were Sir Francis Piggott, Hon Mr. R. Shewan, Hon. Mr. H. E. Pollock, Sir Paul Chater, Hon. Mr. W. Chatham, Hoo. Mr. A. W. Brewin, Hou. Dr. Ho-kai, Hon. Captain Barnes. Lawrence, Hon. Mr Wai Yuk, Hon. Mr. C. W. Dickson. Hon. Mr. Gershon Stewart, Mr. E. A. Hewett, Captain Badeley, Mr. N. Mody, Colonel Prive, Major Chichester, Major Ross, Mr. E. H. Sharp. Mr. J. R. M. Noma Smith, Mr. C. E. H. Deavis, Mr.
Japanese Consul), and Messrs. Mori, Takimichi, Miasmi and Arima, Messrs. Tang Chi- mong, Ho Fook, Leung Po-obi, Chan Ting- wan, Tong Wai-chun, U Oi-chau, La Po. kwai, Pun Yan-chuen, Tee Po-sam, Mok Tsau-chuen, Chan Chi-hing, Sun Poi-ki, Sui Yuen-fai and Ho Hook. Shortly before 10 o'clock HE. the General Officer Commanding, accompanied by his aide-de-camp, Captain Ward, arrived.
About five minutes past 10 the cheers heard in Connaught Road proclaimed the approach of the Royal party, and very soon afterwards the Prince and suite were standing on the Pier. On getting out of his chair His Royal Highness spoke a few words of compliment to Sergeant Garrod who was in charge of the polico escort; and then turning to the Chief Justice shook him warmly by the hand and expressed his appreciation of the reception accorded him. H.E, the Governor accompanied the Prince as be passed down the line of gentlemen, and introduced each. To one of the officers H. R. H. was heard to remark— 'This is my first visit here and I hope it will not be the last." Proceeding to the steps, the last goodbyes were sail and as the launch Victoria brilliant with lanterns round her rails moved off, three hearty cheers were given, followed by tiger" Loud as this was it seemed to be lost in the roar of crackers which came from the sampans. Through an avenue of these craft, all lighted up, the Victoria steamed slowly past the Rubi (which was beautifully illu minated) and the receiving ship Tamar, and then on to the Diadem which was lying at No. 2 men-of-war buoy. Captain Barnes Lawrende was in charge of the yacht, with Mr. E. J. Meugens assisting. Daring the progress of the launch there was a regular fusilade from the sampans, rockets were fired,
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honour of the parting guest. Most of the build- ings where the lamps had not been destroyed had a fine display, but in several instancos appropriate devices had been introduced sinon. Baturd sy night. t. Joseph's School showed “Adien " in red lights, Messrs. Shewan Tomes & Co, had the monogram "E.A." in front of their buildings, the City Hall bore the words “Good bye," the Chinese character for the same expression was seen on Bowen Road, while other suitable devices could be distinguished. Certainly it was a brilliant send off to the Royal guest.
Sergeant Garrod, who was in charge of the police which formed the escort of H.R.H. Prince Arthur of Connaught, received a gold. mounted walking cane beautifully chased and inscribed, together with a letter of appreciation.
THE PRINCE'S APPRECIATION. We have received the following corres, pondence for publication:
Government House, Hongkong,
February 14th, 1906. Sir,-His Excellency will be glad if you will publish in the Hongkong Daily Press the following gratifying letter, in which the thanks of His Royal Hi-hness Prince Arthur of Connaught, K.G., for the various entertain. ments offered him in the Colony have been communicated to the Governor by Colonel A. Davidson, C.V.O., C.B., Equerry to His Majesty the King.
I am, sir,
Your obedient servant,
RICHARD Ponsonby, Private Secretary.
H.M.8. Diadem, Hongkong,
13th February.
DEAR SIR MATTHEW, -Prince Arthur of Connaught wishes, before leaving Hongkong, to thank all those who have done so much to make his visit here so interesting and agreeable.
His Royal Highness asks you to thank the Chinese Community for the Banquet at which he was entertained, and also to thank the mem- bers of the Hongkong Club and the Golf Club for their kind hospitality.
Prince Arthur asks you to tell the residents of Hongkong and the Race Committee how much he regrets it was necessary to cancel the Ball which had been so kindly arranged in his honour, and that the same cause precluded his attendance at the Races.
His Royal Highness asks you to convey his thanks to all those who were responsible for the excellent arrangements for the control of the streets and the traffic during the illuminations, and for all the means taken to ensure his convenience and comfort throughout his visit.
I remain, dear Sir Matthew,
Yours sincerely,
ARTHUR DAVIDSON.
THE WIDOWS' AND ORPHANS' FUND.
The report and statement in connection with this fund are published in the current Gazette. It will be remembered that the Government proposed to include the balance standing to the credit of widows and orphans in the estimates for this year, but the objection raised by aa- official members caused H. E. the Governor to make inquiries before appropriating it, and the result of those inquiries is still pending. The report shows that the amount standing at credit on December 31st was $233,018,67, including $12,390.38 for interest. The average monthly contributions amount now to about $2,600. On December 31st, 1904, the number of contributors on the books was 449, and on the December 81st, 1905, 497, of z whom 194 are bachelors, 288 married men and 15 the fund, 43 left and seven died. The number of children on the books is 454. list contains 32 pensioners, whose pensi aggregate 83,782;50 per annum. The stat shows that fourteen pensions totalling $652.06 have been unclaimed.
Seen from the harbour, the sight was one that will long be remembered by those wh were fortunate enough to witness it, and it is unlikely that His Royal Highness wil visit another place which can vie in beauty with the world's first seaport, Had the night been clear and less stormy, the Prince might have been led to suppose he was in fairyland, out the strong bleak wind which blew across the harbour, and the choppy sos, were sufficient to dispel this illusion. A heavy grain-cloud-hung over the Peak, and it was only blue lights were burned, and the Rubi | widowers. During the year 98 offloers joined
when this momentarily lifted that the illum-di-charged distress rockets with brilliant inations on the higher quarter of the European effects. The party on the pier watched residential area could be distinguished. The the Victoria till it reached the Diadem, Star Ferry Co. was doing a thriving business; on board which the Prince and suite were early in the evening a demand was made on received and where special provisions had been their vessels, and these were packed until made for their comfort on the journey to Japan.