the Committee any official papers and returns that may be called for or may tend to throw light on the financial position or the future prospects of the Colony. Before concluding should like to say that, having regard to the history of the past, and notwithstanding the somewhat gloomy picture my financial statement presents, I have every confidence in the future of Hongkong. It is true that the Colony has passed and is passing through a period of severe depression, but there are distinctly favourable and promising indications of better times to come. I have been very much struck by the peaceful, sober, and industrious habits of the Chinese. I hope the leading members of that community fully understand that they and their compatriots will have in me a Governor, a friend, and a supporter in all their reasonable aspirations. It is my most anxious desire to see greater attention paid in our elementary and secondary schools to the teaching of the English language, and this matter I hope to take op
before the end of the vacation. The establishment and recent extension of sugar refineries, dock accommodation, brick and cement and rope works are healthy signs, and indicate the advantages which would accrue to the population generally from a further encouragement of local industries. The community may rely upon my aid and assistance in fostering in every legitimate way the development of such enterprises. It will also be my endeavour to cultivate harmonious and friendly relations with the Government author- ities of the mainland of China, with which we are so closely connected geographically and commercially. I am afraid, gentlemen, that my remarks have been somewhat prolix, and that I may have been guilty of repetition, but the occasion is undoubtedly an important as well as an interesting one, and that must be my excuse if I have erred in those directions. I thank you for your forbearance, and in claiming your confidence and support I can honestly assert that during my tenure of office I shall try by every means in my power to promote as far as possible the well-being of the community, and to maintain the efficiency of the public service.
B&L (1311)-11690-6000-1-91
bernor.
Date.
No.
42.
J892.
Est previous Paper.
Hong
Rong.
No. 4 6 0 0
(Subject.)
C. O.
DESPATCH.
4600 RECP f (REGE 7 MAR J2
M. G. Rogers Retiremast.
Seward & Porcheeper of the Cirl Aripital &
L
Pension Pr
Cool
the case
with lis
Forwarder particulars of the
Paper.
(Minutes.)
Mr. Round
(I kept this, expecting that we should hear again from M. Roger)
If he is to retire, I do not
2 partly.
2.95.14ap. W.O. cam 220p.
Further
130.12th.
do no
Think thei's is
at
Take an
Jay
tis parsent
Cas CPF
subsequent Paper
No. I would
fifthit akme
OPE
he ought to have
think
avery
half pay
leave so as to give him another & we ought to "pensionable year,
vidicate to for. in this was
leave
fr. that to grant
to officers intending
to retire is contrary to the general. rules of the fol. service, & inconsistent leave of absence with the meaning of
As which is only granted to
Enable
OL
officer
retum to duty.
we
to recruit &
But perhaps
might wait till M. Rogers reports himself or unter again, in
232