58. It was decided that the main contribution of the Chinese community to the festivities should take the form of Dragon and Lantern processions in traditional Chinese style. The co-operation and assistance of the Guilds, Market Stall-holders, Restaurants and Shops was invited and was most willingly and generously given.
59. Day processions were organised on the 6th, 7th and 8th of May, and there were two lantern processions on the nights of the 7th and 8th. The weather was fine and the processions were most impressive and spectacular, far exceeding both in size and beauty anything of this nature that has ever before been staged in the Colony.
60. It is impossible in a general Report such as this to enter into much detail but the following facts and figures will serve to give some idea of the quality of the display by which the Chinese community demonstrated their loyalty and affection towards their Sovereign.
Day Processions.
61. Thirty-four guilds and numerous shops, restaurants, market stalls and individuals participated in the staging of these processions. 9,755 persons were employed daily in carrying the exhibits and the cost to the participants was roughly $148,000. The processions started daily at 11 A.M. from Kennedy Town and took approximately three and a half hours to traverse a route that varied in length from eight to ten miles. The most conspicuous feature of the processions was the three huge Dragons, Silver, Golden and Multi-coloured, which measured 280, 120 and 225 feet respectively.
62. These Dragons were supported by ten Lions, a Tiger and Unicorn, forty-six ponies and nearly 800 banners, palanquins, tableaux, etc. The order of march was determined by drawing lots and was accepted without question. Both day and night processions were accompanied and directed by members of the Chinese Festivities Committee who unselfishly offered themselves for this arduous duty.
Night Processions.
63. The organisation of the night processions was entrusted to a sub-committee of Chinese gentlemen under the chairmanship of Mr. Ho Kom-tong. Unfortunately owing to an accident Mr. Ho had to relinquish this position on the 12th April and his place was most ably filled by Mr. Wong Kwong-tin. The night processions were on a somewhat smaller scale but were if anything more beautiful than their brethren of the day. No fewer than twenty-one guilds, shops and restaurants contributed towards the cost which was approximately $23,000. There were 760 exhibits which required 2,800 bearers.
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