12
tell the magnitude of the commerce that is transacted in this central entrepot of the China coast. And, gentlemen, this result can be explained by one word-the harbour. So long as no convulsion of nature sinks the island in the sea or chokes up its magnificent harbour, will Hongkong continue to advance, and without fear of a rival. In due course of time the iron horse-the inevitable iron horse--- will find its way throughout the length and breadth of the land of China, and the question naturally arises, how will this affect Hongkong? It will, in my opinion, make it even greater than before. A railway from a Yangtse port, say Hankow, to the south of China will be a necessity as saving hundreds of miles of ocean and river navigation. Where shall its terminus be? It will doubtless reach Canton and bring up on the shore of Kowloon, and there the produce of the Celestial empire will be shot into ocean- going vessels lying alongside of convenient piers and landing-places. This is no vain notion. I firmly believe it, and I have confidently predicted it. But, gentlemen, there is a social point involved in your address, and on that a few words may be said. It has always been my aim since I first set foot on this island to practise and promote the amenities of society, for, with a large com- munity dwelling like us in a space somewhat confined, it raust happen that toes are at times trodden on, and to heal differences and increase good feeling should be the part of every one who wishes to do his duty to his fellow- This I have steadily and perseveringly endeavoured to do, and I am rejoiced to recollect that this is not the first time by many on which your approval has satisfied me that I have not essayed in vain. Painful as it is to part from well-known places and familiar associations→→ still more from friends who can give so convincing a proof of their confidence and regard as you now give me-the pain is somewhat tempered by the reflection that my memories of Hongkong will always be of a pleasant nature,
men.
13
665
and not among the least agreeable will be the remembrance of this day, when you offer me a most distinguished com- pliment, for which I can but inadequately express my heartfelt thanks. Gentlemen, I wish you health, happiness, and prosperity as I bid you, one and all, farewell.
Three cheers were then given for Mr. Mercer and another for Mrs. Mercer, and the meeting broke up.
II.
This address from the Scottish Residents of Hongkong is here inserted, although its character may be said to be more special than public.
MR. MERCER AND THE ST. ANDREW'S CLUB.
At the Hongkong Club on the 4th instant, an Address was presented to the Honorable W. T. Mercer, as Presi- dent of the St. Andrew's Club from his "Brither Scots," resident in Hongkong, in consequence of his intended departure from the Colony. Upwards of fifty gentlemen were present, and the address, which was read by Mr. Henry Murray, was as follows :~~~
To the Honorable William Thomas Mercer, Esq., &C. &C.
"SIR,In addressing you upon your approaching de- parture from Hongkong, we perform a very painful task, as well as a pleasant and gratifying duty. It will be with no ordinary feelings of regret that we shall witness the retirement from the colony of an intelligence which, exercised in the positions of the highest importance, has during three-and-twenty years most materially aided the wonderful development of which Hongkong can boast.