30
personality of his predecessor but strikes me as a well-
informed and well-intentioned man. He made a great point
of his desire to continue the cordial relations which I had established with his predecessor (who was my guest for some weeks before he left for Europe last year) and to co-operate with the Government of Hongkong in any possible way. I assured him that his sentiments were reciprocated and I
think that we may count on a continuance of the friendly
relations of the two Goverments as he has in the last few
months consulted me with regard to a number of matters in which Hongkong might be supposed to take an interest.
4.
We agreed to regard his passing through the
Colony as his official visit, although he had not actually
assumed office, and I undertook to return it at a suitable
opportunity. I was unable to find time to do so until Apri 16th, when I proceeded to Macao, accompanied by my wife and
Captain Neville, Aide-de-Camp, in H.M.S. "Tarantuls" which
was placed at my disposal by the courtesy of Commodore
Grace.
We left about 9 a.m. arriving in Macao
shortly before noon and returning in the evening.
We were met on landing by the Governor end
Madame Rodrigues and were introduced to most of the leading
officials. A guard of honour on the quay was composed of
sailors from the "Patria" and other gun-boats.
We then proceeded to the Governor's Palace,
where there was a guard of honour of infantry, who struck
me as a well set up and serviceable body of men. They are
Portuguese from Europe who do three years service in Macao.
The black Mozambique troops, whose fine
appearance I had noted on the occasion of my last visit, were not in evidence. The Governor informed me that they
were now stationed at Portes do Cerco on the boundary of
the territory. I gathered that it was thought better to keep them where there was the least chance of friction
•
12/6 Gp. 140 60,000 11-22 W&S Ltd.
with