Quite apart from the desire individually animating us to assist in the proposed demonstration there is another and a broader aspect of the question. We feel that we would be wanting in duty towards our own country if we here failed to show by this, our present action, that we recognize the reverent feeling towards Her Majesty which is held by all our people wherever situated, for by no nation is she more respected than by the United States. We are, sir, your most obedient servants,
(Here follow the signatures of the American residents.)
THE CONSTITUTION OF THE COMMITTEE
The CHAIRMAN next announced that His Excellency the Governor had consented to the election of additional members on the Committee.
Mr. FRANCIS proposed that two members of the German community, two of the American, and two of the Portuguese be elected on the Committee.
The CHAIRMAN said gentlemen representing those nationalities had been asked to serve on the Committee, but they said they preferred not to, although they would most heartily join in everything the Committee did on the subject.
THE ADDRESS TO HER MAJESTY.
It was then resolved that the final draft of the Address to Her Majesty be prepared if no suggestions were sent to the sub-Committee within the next three days.
THE GILDING OF THE QUEEN'S STATUE.
The CHAIRMAN—One of the schemes submitted to the sub-Committee was in regard to the gilding of Her Majesty's Statue and the putting of a railing round it. In case this Committee decides that the statue shall be gilded the Dock Company are prepared to do so without any cost. (Loud applause.) I may also mention on the authority of the Director of Public Works that some time ago the Government thought of putting a railing round the statue and plans had been prepared and they were only waiting for a meeting of the Public Works Committee of the Legislative Council to bring the matter up for final decision.
Mr. EDE thought it would be a folly to gild the Queen's statue. A statue designed of bronze should be left so.
The CHAIRMAN pointed out that Mr. Raggi, the sculptor, was of opinion that gilding the statue would improve it.
Mr. COXON hoped that the railings would be placed on the bottom steps and not on the top. If they were placed on the top steps the statue would be like a drinking fountain and people would want tin cans and chains fixed at once.
Hon. F. A. COOPER said the railings would be placed on the bottom steps.
THANKS TO HIS EXCELLENCY AND THE SUB-COMMITTEE.
Hon. T. H. WHITEHEAD—A very hearty vote of thanks ought to be accorded to His Excellency the Governor for the important services he has rendered in connection with the work we have in hand. But for His Excellency's assistance our duties would have been more arduous than they have been. (Applause.) Thanks are also due to the sub-Committee who have rendered such excellent services.
The CHAIRMAN—With regard to the vote of thanks to His Excellency the Governor it need not be seconded at all; it will, I am sure, be carried by acclamation. (Applause.) As far as the sub-Committee are concerned I am sure our work has only just begun and thanks may be given to us when everything is carried out successfully. (Applause).
THE SUBSCRIPTION LIST.
The CHAIRMAN said the subscription list would be started at once and he trusted the members of the Committee would give it a good start. The more that was given the more would the Government give.
This concluded the business and the Committee adjourned.
473
Quite apart from the desire individually animating us to assist in the proposed demon- stration there is another and a broader aspect of the question. We feel that we would be wanting in duty towards our own country if we here failed to show by this, our present action, that we recognize the reverent feeling towards Her Majesty which is held by all our people wherever situated, for by no nation is she more respected than by the United States. -We are, sir, your most obedient servants,
(Here follow the signatures of the Am- erican residents.)
THE CONSTITUTION OF THE COMMITTEE The CHAIRMAN next announced that Hi Excellency the Governor had consented to the election of additional members on the Com- mittee.
Mr. FRANCIS proposed that two members of the German community, two of the Americao, and two of the Portuguese be elected on the Committeo.
The CHAIRMAN said gentlemen representing those nationalties had been asked to serve ON the Committee, but they said they preferred not to, although they would most heartily join in everything the Committee did on the subject.
THE ADDRESS TO HER MAJESTY. It was then resolved that the final draft of the Address to Her Majesty be prepared if no suggestions were sent to the sub-Com- mittee within the next three days.
THE GILDING OF THE QUEEN'S STATUE, The CHAIRMAN-Que of the schomes sub. mitted to the sub-Committee was in regard to the gilding of Her Majesty's Statue and the putting of a railing round it. In case this Com- mittee decide that the statue shall be gilded the Dock Company are prepared to do so with- out any cost. (Lond applause.) I may also mention on the authority of the Director of Public Works that some time ago the Government thought of putting a railing round the statue and plans had been prepared and they were only waiting for a meeting of the Public Works Committee of the Legislative Council to bring the matter up for final decision.
Mr. EDE thought it would be a folly to gild the Queen's statue. A statuo designed of bronze should be loft so.
The CHAIRMAN pointed out that Mr. Raggi, the sculptor, was of opinion that gilding the statne would improve it.
Mr. CoxoN hoped that the railings would be placed on the bottom steps and not on the top. If they were placed on the top steps the statue would be like a driuking fountain and people would want tin cans and chains fixed at
once.
Hon. F. A. COOPER said the railings would be placed on the bottom stops.
THANKS TO HIS EXCELLENCY AND THE
SUB-COMMITTEE.
Hou. T. H. WHITEHEAD-A very hearty vote of thanks ought to be accorded to his Excellency the Governor for the important services ho has rendered in connection with the work we have in handBut for his Excel- loucy's assistance our duties would have been more arduous than they have been. (Applauso.) Thanks are also due to the sub-Committee who have rendered such excellent services.
The CHAIRMAN-With regard to the vote of thanks to bis Excellency the Governor it need not be seconded at all; it will, I am sure, be carried by acelawation. (Applause.) As far as the sub-Committes are concerned I am sure our work has only just beguu and thanks may be given to us when everything is carried out snccessfully. (Applause).
THE SUBSCRIPTION LIST.
The CHAIRMAN said the subscription list would be started at once and he trusted the members of the Committee would give it a good start. The more that was given the more would the Government give.
This concluded the business and the Com. mittee adjourned.
473
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