(54)
Reply of His Royal Highness.
The Duke of Edinburgh has received your Address, and experienced much pleasure at the cordial expressions of esteem, and the affectionate words which it contains.
Such a greeting as you accorded him can only emanate from feelings of respect towards the laws and institutions which are established alike throughout the British Empire, under the happy rule of the Queen, his Mother.
The preparations made for his reception here, the decorations and illuminations adding additional beauty to the fine City in which you have found a home, have been viewed by him with great pleasure and much interest. Indeed, during the course of his travels through the numerous possessions of the British Crown no sight more striking and beautiful has come under his observation.
His Royal Highness has been gratified also at learning from the authorities of Hongkong, that the numerous Chinese residents here are distinguished no less for their industry than their orderly behaviour, and general respect for the law.
In conclusion, the Duke of Edinburgh offers his heartfelt thanks to the Chinese Community, and desires them to believe that he will ever bear in mind their kindness to him, personally, during his stay in Hongkong, and he will always preserve as an agreeable memento of his visit to the Colony, the remarkable and highly artistic Address which has been presented to him.
(Signed),
To the Chinese Community of Hongkong.
ALFRED.
(55)
Thou art now visiting many lands.
And glory accompanies thy Royal Banner. May happy stars shine on all thy path!
All regard thee with respect, and bid thee welcome.
Dear to us the sweet T'ong tree, thy love will abide with us:
All will cherish remembrance of thee. Here, in Hongkong, royal favours surround us.
Our youth, by education, are made talented: They have all the blessings of knowledge and refinement. Royal Prince! Thou hast condescended to visit us:
We, the Schoolmasters, approach thee with reverence. Deign, too, to convey to Her Majesty, the Queen,
This our sincerest wish, that she may enjoy
Perfect Peace, Happiness, Length of Days, and the Love of All.
Reply of His Royal Highness.
His Royal Highness the Duke of Edinburgh returns his sincere thanks to the Chinese Government School-masters of this Colony, for
the Address which they have presented to him.
It will give His Royal Highness the greatest pleasure to comply with the request contained in the concluding words of their complimentary Address, and he will himself bear to Her Majesty their very sincere wishes for Her welfare.
(Signed),
To the Government School-masters of Hongkong,
ALFRED.
(E)
Chinese School-masters' Address.
AN ODE IN HONOUR OF HIS ROYAL HIGHNESS PRINCE ALFRED OF ENGLAND.
Illustrious Prince!
Thou art all glorious as leaves of Gem, and as branches of Gold,
Thou art skilled in War: skilled also in Letters, Heaven having gifted thee with matchless talents.
(F)
The Address from the City Hall Committee.
To His Royal Highness ALFRED ERNEST, Duke of Edinburgh. May it please Your Royal Highness:
The City Hall Committee desire me to welcome you most warmly
to the Colony of Hongkong, and to convey to Your Royal Highness the expression of their grateful thanks for the kind consideration you have displayed in honouring this ceremonial with your presence. When the first stone of the City Hall was laid by His Excellency the present
58
( 54 )
Reply of His Royal Highness.
The Duke of Edinburgh has received your Address, and experienced much pleasure at the cordial expressions of esteem, and the affectionate words which it contains.
Such a greeting as you accorded him can only emanate from feel- ings of respect towards the laws and institutions which are established alike throughout the British Empire, under the happy rule of the Queen, his Mother.
The preparations made for his reception here, the decorations and illuminations adding additional beauty to the fine City in which you have found a home, have been viewed by hira with great pleasure and much interest. Indeed, during the course of his travels through the numerous possessions of the British Crown no sight more striking and beautiful has come under his observation.
His Royal Highness has been gratified also at learning from the authorities of Hongkong, that the numerous Chinese residents here are distinguished no less for their industry than their orderly behaviour, and general respect for the law.
In conclusion, the Duke of Edinburgh offers his heartfelt thanks to the Chinese Community, and desires them to believe that he will ever bear in mind their kindness to him, personally, during his stay in Hongkong, and he will always preserve as an agreeable memento of his visit to the Colony, the remarkable and highly artistic Address which has been presented to him.
(Signed),
To the Chinese Community of Hongkong.
ALFRED.
( 55 )
Thou art now visiting many lands.
And glory accompanies thy Royal Banner. May happy stars shine on all thy path!
All regard thee with respect, and bid thee welcome.
Dear to us the sweet T'ong tree, thy love will abide with us:
All will cherish remembrance of thee. Here, in Hongkong, royal favours surround us.
Our youth, by education, are made talented: They have all the blessings of knowledge and refinement. Royal Prince! Thou hast condescended to visit us:
We, the Schoolmasters, approach thee with reverence. Deign, too, to convey to Her Majesty, the Queen,
This our sincerest wish, that she may enjoy
Perfect Peace, Happiness, Length of Days, and the Love of All.
Reply of His Royal Highness.
His Royal Highness the Duke of Edinburgh returns his sincere thanks to the Chinese Government School-masters of this Colony, for
the Address which they have presented to him.
It will give His Royal Highness the greatest pleasure to comply with the request contained in the concluding words of their compli→ mentary Address, and he will himself bear to Her Majesty their very sincere wishes for Her welfare.
(Signed),
To the Government School-masters of Hongkong,
ALFRED.
(E)
Chinese School-masters' Address.
ÅN ODE IN HONOUR OF HIS ROYAL HIGHNESS PRINCE ALFRED OF ENGLAND.
Illustrious Prince!
Thou art all glorious as leaves of Gem, and as branches of Gold,
Thou art skilled in War: skilled also in Letters,→ Heaven having gifted thee with matchless talents.
(F)
The Address from the City Hall Committee.
To His Royal Highness ALFRED ERNEST, Duke of Edinburgh. May it please Your Royal Highness:
The City Hall Committee desire me to welcome you most warmly
to the Colony of Hongkong, and to convey to Your Royal Highness the expression of their grateful thanks for the kind consideration you have displayed in honouring this ceremonial with your presence. When the first stone of the City Hall was laid by His Excellency the present
58
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