12. The Coronation. The Coronation of His Majesty King George VI was celebrated on the 12th of May. In the early morning the Officer Administering the Government (The Hon. Mr. N. L. Smith) held a review of the combined services at Happy Valley. The parade consisted of over 2,500 members of His Majesty's forces in the Colony, and was witnessed by approximately 100,000 people.
At noon a meeting of the Legislative Council was held at which members signed a Loyal Address which was sent to Their Majesties.
2,000 guests attended a Reception and Ball at Government House in the evening. General illuminations, a silver Dragon and a Chinese lantern procession were other features of the celebrations.
13. Sino-Japanese Hostilities. On the 7th of July hostilities broke out between China and Japan. During the ensuing months much of the trade bound for the interior of China was diverted through Hong Kong. Wharves and godowns remained crowded until the end of the year. The first refugees from Shanghai arrived in Hong Kong on the 17th of August. At the shortest notice approximately 4,800 non-Chinese refugees were accommodated in four Refugee Centres, in hotels and in private houses. It was not considered safe for women and children to return to Shanghai until late in December.
14. The Typhoon. On the 2nd of September the most disastrous typhoon in local history passed over the Colony. At the height of the storm the barometer fell to 28.298 inches and it is estimated that a wind velocity of 167 m.p.h. was reached. Vast damage was done to property in all parts of the Colony, but by far the greatest sufferers were the Chinese fishing community. Information was received of 1,361 native boats being sunk and it can only be presumed that many thousands of seafaring people were drowned. No fewer than 27 steamers of various sizes were sunk or driven ashore.
15. Decorations. Among the Honours conferred by His Majesty during the course of the year, were:—
K.C.M.G. - H.E. Sir Andrew Caldecott, Kt., C.M.G.,
C.B.E.
O.B.E. - Mr. T. M. Hazlerigg, M.C. (Civil Division).
The Coronation Decorations were awarded as follows:
C.M.G. - H.E. The Officer Administering the Government, Mr. N. L. Smith.
Kt. - Mr. V. M. Grayburn.
O.B.E. (Civil Division) - Mr. D. L. King.
M.B.E. (Military Division) - Capt. H. Westlake, D.C.M.
M.B.E. (Civil Division) - Mrs. J. M. King.
12. The Coronation. The Coronation of His Majesty King George VI was celebrated on the 12th of May. In the early morning the Officer Administering the Government (The Hon. Mr. N. L. Smith) held a review of the combined services at Happy Valley. The parade consisted of over 2,500 members of His Majesty's forces in the Colony, and was witnessed by approximately 100,000 people.
At noon & meeting of the Legislative Council was held at which members signed a Loyal Address which was sent to Their Majesties.
2,000 guests attended a Reception and Ball at Government House in the evening. General illuminations, a silver Dragon and a Chinese lantern procession were other features of the celebrations.
13. Sino-Japanese Hostilities. On the 7th of July hostilities broke out between China and Japan. During the ensuing months much of the trade bound for the interior of China was diverted through Hong Kong. Wharves and godowns remained crowded until the end of the year. The first refugees from Shanghai arrived in Hong Kong on the 17th of August. At the shortest notice approximately 4,800 non-Chinese refugees were accommodated in four Refugee Centres, in hotels and in private houses. It was not considered safe for women and children to return to Shanghai until late in December.
14. The Typhoon.-On the 2nd of September the most disastrous typhoon in local history passed over the Colony. At the height of the storm the barometer fell to 28.298 inches and it is estimated that a wind velocity of 167 m.p.h. was reached. Vast damage was done to property in all parts of the Colony, but by far the greatest sufferers were the Chinese fishing com- munity. Information was received of 1,361 native boats being sunk and it can only be presumed that many thousands of seafaring people were drowned. No fewer than 27 steamers of various sizes were sunk or driven ashore.
15. Decorations.-Among the Honours conferred by His Majesty during the course of the year, were:—
K.C.M.G.-H.E. Sir Andrew Caldecott, Kt., C.M.G.,
C.B.E.
O.B.E.-Mr. T. M. Hazlerigg, M.C. (Civil Division).
The Coronation Decorations were awarded as follows:
C.M.G.-H.E. The Officer Administering the Govern-
ment, Mr. N. L. Smith.
Kt. Mr. V. M. Grayburn.
O.B.E. (Civil Division)-Mr. D. L. King.
M.B.E. (Military Division)---Capt. H. Westlake, D.C.M. M.B.E. (Civil Division)-Mrs. J. M. King.
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