This does not take into account the
wide woad which I propound should be
made between the Park & building or
surrounding hills.
Mare to.
(ed) Charleston.
Braz
Hon. Am. Momen
arty. Colonial Deanstony.
317
Report of speech of Tis M. Cascoigne
on Announcement flanction of
The King Park.
UD-
His EXCELLENCY said-Gentlemen. as I understood that this was likely to be the last meeting of the Coronation Committee, I thought I should like to come down, first of all because I thought it possible that some question might arise in which my presouce would be a help. That was one reason why I wished to come, but my principal object in coming to-day was to tender you all my most sincere and heartfelt thanks for the kind way in which you have devoted yourselves to the labours of this Committee. All of you, I kuow, are very busy men indeed-the Chief Justice, with all his { other work, and all the other members of the Committee; and yet you have thrown an amount of work and labour into this matter for which I cannot help expressing my most heartfelt thanks. Give us fine weather and I do no hesitate to say that I think we shall have a Coronation three days that will be worthy of Hongkong. I felt when I asked yon all to do your best that you would do so, but I am bound to say that everything I have seen of the work you have thrown into it far exceeded my expectations. Gentlemen, I have other announcement to make; some of you, probably all, know about it already, but I thought it would be well perhaps to make a final announcement of the fact that we bave been st last fortunate enough to get the permission of the Secretary of State for the Colonies and the Secretary of State for War to open a park at Kowloon. (Applause) It is indeed a great subject for congratulation, for, as you all know, the matter was only taken in hand within a comparatively short time, and I had my moments of despair as to whether we should get permission in time. While I am on this subject, I should like to take the opportunity, which I shall also take when I have the honour of entting the first sod. of mentioning that I have seen the names of many people connected with this scheme of a public park. but the gentleman to whom the credit really of this scheme is chiefly due is Mr. Ford. (Applause.) It is a scheme of a long time ago, and I am bound to say. with every respect to you all, that when it came before me, I as the Officer Commanding. threw it out, so that I, who have done my best now to bring it forward, was at one time the obstructionist of the scheme. I hope the park will be a great public boon and that the community will always remember Mr. Ford's name in connection with it. (Applause.) Before I leave, if there is auy point at all in which I can be of any help or assistance, I shall be very glad indeed to give you all the help in my power. (Applause, į