Enclosure 1.
283
Hongkong, Sept. July, 1904.
V. V.
29824
IREC
finding that there will not be another meeting of the Legislative Council before the advent of the new Governor, and therefore no suitable opportunity of addressing Your Excellency personally as the Unofficial Members now beg, at the close of your period of Office as head of the Executive, to record in writing our sincere appreciation of the manner in which you have administered the Govern-
ment.
Your long experience of the Colony and the tactful discharge of your duties when at the Colonial Secretariat had marked you out as well worthy of the high trust and as eminently fitted to conduct its affairs. For the last eight months, Your Excellency has held the reins with a firm and impartial hand, and you have uniformly exhibited the warmest interest in the welfare of the Colony, and the well-being of all classes of its inhabitants.
The energy with which public works have been carried forward and the steady progress made with legislation are proofs that there has been no remission in the work of administration.
We have also noted with lively satisfaction the willing support you have extended to the efforts made to secure the early construction of the railway designed to connect this Colony with Canton, a matter of such vital concern to the people of Hongkong.
Other important measures have received your prompt and careful consideration, and your record has been one of continuous progress attended with the minimum of friction.
The hospitalities of Government House have been most agreeably dispensed by Your Excellency and Mrs. May, whose charming affability and unfailing tact as a hostess has endeared her to the Community.
Lieut. F. S. May, C.M.G.
Officer Administering the Government.