(Four)
we can
upon confidence in the security that the British Government has been able to offer to our citizens, their trade and investments. It has now been demonstrated that withstand the severest attack that could be made by employment of the so-called "invincible" economic weapon and it has proved to be of no avail against us. Moreover, the British Government has stated that it has no intention to give back the Colony to China.
These two facts will greatly in- crease the sense of security which Hong Kong can give. It is, there- fore, safe to view the future with confidence and look forward to an
era of development and prosperity such as we have not yet approach ed. But we are here to trade with China and what we specially desire
and need are stable conditions in South China where merchants and others can follow their lawful avo- cations in safety and peace, and these we trust will be realised at an early date. (Lord applause.)
I have no further remarks to make and now beg to propose the adop- tion of the Report and Statement of Accounts and when this has been seconded I shall be pleased to answer to the best of my ability any question which members may
desire to ask.
MR. W. L. PATTENDEN.
gard to recent events in China. I should like, if I may be allowed to do so, to congratulate the Com- mittee on the manner in which this comprehensive report has been drawn up, and particularly Mr. Key, our able secretary, on whose shoulders, I understand, the work of compilation has largely fallen. We are glad to have Mr. Key with us again after his well earned holi- day. (Applause.)
We have learned with satisfac- tion of the stern but necessary measures taken by the Naval autho- rities in dealing with the almost impossible situation that has arisen owing to the lack of any real at- tempt by the Chinese authorities to cope with the continual piratical depredations, and it is to be hoped that the measures taken will have a salutary effect. Our sympathies go out to the men of the Naval force who had-what is not perhaps realised by all-a very unpleasant duty to perform, but one which was carried out in difficult circum- stances in a spirit of true chivalry.
I was particularly glad to notice the reference made to the Sunning piracy and the great appreciation shown of the gallant action of the Officers and Engineers in recover- ing their ship against almost over- whelming odds.
A Break In The Clouds.
As you rightly say, Sir, we have been through difficult and anxious Mr. W. L. PATTENDEN Seconded, times during the past two years He said: -Your Excellency, Mr. but the sound lines on which the Chairman and Gentlemen,-We trade of the Colony is conducted, have followed with close interest is evidenced by the manner in the able speech just delivered and, which, in spite of the chaotic if I may be permitted to do so, I state of affairs in the neighbour- should like to endorse the Chair- ing provinces, and the insensate man's remarks with regard to the boycott proclaimed against British honour, felt by us all, at the pre- goods, business has been carried sence of His Excellency at our on. (Applause.). It is to be hoped annual meeting this afternoon. His never failing interest in the trade of Hong Kong, which as the Chair- man has rightly stated, is that for which the Colony exists, is deeply appreciated by all sections of the mercantile community. (Applause.)
that saner and wiser counsels among those in control of this great country, in which we are so deeply interested, will prevail, and the futility of the use of this economic weapon, the boycott, of which we have heard so much re- cently, will be realised, affecting The Chamber's Annual Report.
as much, if not more, those using The annual report that has re- it, as it does those against whom cently been circulated is, in my it is directed. Given peace and opinion, a striking testimony to the quietness in the country, and a work of the Chamber. I am glad wise and progressive Government, to notice, included in the report, I am convinced we shall see a are various memoranda, dealing prosperity in China such as we have with the present situation in China never realised, and linked up as we and His Excellency's speech in the in Hong Kong are with Canton Legislative Council on October 15th and the surrounding districts--for last year.
I venture to suggest we are interdependent one on an- that members send copies of the other-this prosperity will be re- report to their various friends in flected on Hong Kong. While it other parts of the world, drawing may yet be a long time to the special attention to these memo- peaceful conditions we all desire randa, which, I think, explain there are, I am inclined to think, clearly and concisely the attitude signs of a break in the clouds. of the British Government in re- (Applause).
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