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Highness in his character of a working man, well up in his duty. (cheers.) I have no doubt that probably in his earlier career His Royal Highness has enjoyed some special advantages in the way of family interest, which have given him a good start in life. (laughter and cheers.) Others could not reasonably hope to get their Post rank either so easily or so early, but having got it, the question now is whether His Royal Highness has proved that he deserves to retain it. (hear, hear.) As to that point I need only mention that I was recently informed by the gallant Admiral Sir Henry Keppel, who has just left us, that he never had inspected a vessel in better order, or one reflecting more credit on her Commanding Officer, than the Galatea, and also that His Royal Highness himself did thoroughly, as well as skilfully, command that vessel. Therefore, although his naval career may have been at first easily opened to him, His Royal Highness must now be regarded as able to win his way by his own exertions, and to stand on his own deserts. (loud cheers.) That is precisely the character which a hard working community like this is well calculated to appreciate, and it does appreciate it accordingly. (hear, hear and cheers.) For my own part, the useful and honourable example set by His Royal Highness in the active and zealous prosecution of his professional career has added greatly to the pleasure with which, as his temporary host, I have endeavoured to promote my distinguished visitor's comfort and convenience in accordance with the wishes of the community.
His Excellency resumed his seat amidst enthusiastic cheering.
Dancing was shortly after resumed, but His Royal Highness retired immediately after supper. The first five dances of the evening were suggested by His Royal Highness, of whose musical ability mention will be made hereafter, and two of the waltzes were composed by himself. The Band of the Galatea played during the former part of the entertainment; and that of the 75th Regiment afterwards.
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Friday, November 5th.--The following advertisement, which appeared in the Public Papers, will show that the Native community was not willing to be outdone in Theatrical matters.
"NOTICE."
"In order to celebrate the arrival of His Royal Highness the Duke of Edinburgh, the Chinese community of this Colony have engaged a company of first-class actors from Canton. The performance will take place in Tung-Hing Theatre, Taipingshan, commencing on the 25th of October, and concluding on the 30th; and will be continued again from the 3rd to 9th of November. The Theatre has been thoroughly renovated, and will be profusely decorated with fresh flowers. The box in the Gallery will be reserved for His Royal Highness, and the seats in the body of the house are open to the public on payment of one dollar."
On the evening of this day, His Royal Highness, accompanied by His Excellency the Governor, Vice-Admiral Kellett, and a large party, honoured the above-named Theatre with his presence. The building, which will hold rather more than three thousand people, was crammed; and considerable excitement was manifested when the Prince took his seat in the front of the Royal Box which had been prepared for him.
It is the custom in Chinese Theatres, when any high Official vouchsafes a visit, for one of the actors, splendidly dressed, to come out on the stage and pay him reverence, to soft music, exhibiting a scroll, on which a wish for his
( 44 )
( 26 )
Highness in his character of a working man, well up in his duty. (cheers.) I. have no doubt that probably in his earlier career His Royal Highness has enjoyed some special advantages in the way of family interest, which have given him a good start in life. (laughter and cheers.) Others could not reasonably hope to get their Post rank either so easily or so early, but having got it, the question now is whether His Royal Highness has proved that he deserves to retain it. (hear, hear.) As to that point I need only mention that I was recently informed by the gallant Admiral Sir Henry Keppel, who has just left us, that he never had inspected a vessel in better order, or one reflect- ing more credit on her Commanding Officer, than the Galatea, and also that His Royal Highness himself did thoroughly, as well as skilfully, command that vessel. Therefore, although his naval carcer may have been at first easily opened to him, His Royal Highness must now be regarded as able to win his way by his own exertions, and to stand on his own deserts. (loud cheers.) That is precisely the character which a hard working community like this is well calculated to appreciate, and it does appre- ciate it accordingly. (hear, hear and cheers.) For my own part, the useful and honourable example set by His Royal Highness in the active and zealous prosecution of his pro- fessional career has added greatly to the pleasure with which, as his temporary host, I have endeavoured to pro- mote my distinguished visitor's comfort and convenience in accordance with the wishes of the community."
His Excellency resumed his seat amidst enthusiastic cheering.
Dancing was shortly after resumed, but His Royal Highness retired immediately after supper. The first five dances of the evening, were suggested by His Royal High- of whose musical ability mention will be made
ness,
( 27 )
hereafter, and two of the waltzes were composed by himself. The Band of the Galatea played during the former part of the entertainment; and that of the 75th Regiment after- wards.
Friday, November 5th.--The following advertisement, which appeared in the Public Papers, will shew that the Native community was not willing to be outdone in The- atrical matters.
"NOTICE."
"In order to celebrate the arrival of His Royal Highness the Duke of Edinburgh, the Chinese community
of this Colony have engaged a company of first-class actors from Canton. The performance will take place in Tung- Hing Theatre, Taipingshan, commencing on the 25th of October, and concluding on the 30th; and will be continued again from the 3rd to 9th of November. The Theatre has been thoroughly renovated, and will be profusely decorated with fresh flowers. The box in the Gallery will be reserved for His Royal Highness, and the seats in the body of the house are open to the public on payment of one dollar."
On the evening of this day, His Royal Highness, accompanied by His Excellency the Governor, Vice- Admiral Kellett, and a large party, honoured the above named Theatre with his presence. The building, which will hold rather more than three thousand people, was crammed; and considerable excitement was manifested when the Prince took his seat in the front of the Royal Box which had been prepared for him.
It is the custom in Chinese Theatres, when any high Official vouchsafes a visit, for one of the actors, splendidly dressed, to come out on the stage and pay him reverence, to soft music, exhibiting a scroll, on which a wish for his
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