HONGKONG FACING THE HARBOUR.
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at Pedder's Wharf. An invitation had been issued a few days before by the Harbour Master, H. G. Thomsett, Esq., R.N., calling upon the masters of vessels to form a lane of boats through which His Royal Highness the Duke of Edinburgh might pass on the occasion of his Public Landing; and in compliance with this a large number of boats now drew up in parallel lines between the Galatea and the Wharf. One of the most striking spectacles connected with the Royal visit was presented to the eye as His Royal Highness approached the shore, followed by the multitude of boats, which, as soon as he had passed them, closed in and took their places behind the Royal barge. The morning was lovely, and the sight viewed from the verandah of Messrs. Hunt & Co., and other neighbouring houses, was most beautiful and imposing. The Prince was attended by Admiral Sir H. Kellett, and by his Equerries. At the Wharf, His Excellency the Governor, surrounded by the leading officials, both British and Foreign, received the Prince, and heartily bid him welcome to the Colony. His Royal Highness shook hands warmly with His Excellency and having reciprocated his good wishes, passed under the Triumphal Arch and took his seat in the State Sedan Chair prepared for him of yellow velvet embroidered with silver and furnished with a silk canopy. Then, escorted by the Governor, the Foreign Consuls, and the Civil and Military Officials, His Royal Highness traversed slowly the short distance to the New City Hall, amidst the booming of guns and the loud cheers of the large crowd assembled to do him honour. The road was lined with Troops and Police, and the greatest enthusiasm was manifested as the procession passed on.
The Chairman of the City Hall Committee, the Honourable W. Keswick, met His Royal Highness at the entrance, and escorted him through the Building. The Museum, the
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