10
Homine, however, is not yet complied,
but nevertheless
as
is finished, it was
the building itself thought wise by
the Native Committee of Management
open
the Pomptie before the termination
Chinery
of the very new year's Holiday,
usual
which in 1872 commenced on
9th January.
2.
I
have directed an account
of the preliminary religious Ceremony and the subsequent proceedings to be compiled from the local papers, and Your Lordship will perceive that I availed myself of
the
opportunity
to
place before the Chinese the obligations,
which they might be regarded as having undertaken, and reminded
them of the
position which they would occupy in future, enjoying great freedom in all matters of local details, and management, but subject to the general superintendence and visits of certain Government officers.
3.
At the same time I felt
it right to pay
a
just tribute to the exertions of the Committee, who have been indefatigable in urging on the work, and who have not
merely raised
amongst
their
countrymen donations exceeding
$40,000 for the actual construction of the building, but have also obtained a list of annual Subscribers pledged to contribute $7000 yearly to the expenses.