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be lost in bringing tibe scheme to perfection by erecting this adjunct. Having reached this stago, it was hoped that the fulfil- ment of the scheme for the Hospital would proceed without impediment. The plans and estimates had been prepared by Messrs. Palmer and Turner, whose original design was cou- sidered first in order of merit in the competition which had been held for a building in the Civil Kospital Grounds; bat when tonders were invited they proved so far in excess of the estimates that it seemed impossible to proceed further. After much trouble, a tender was finally obtained at a rate within the funds at the disposal of the Committee, and the work has now, as you see, been successfully completed. The total expenditure upon the Hospital and quarters has been $11.891.05, and with the interest which has accrued on the principal, we have been enabled practically to meet this sum. There have, however, been some extras in- ourred--as is the CASO in overy large building-which you, Sir, bave kindly under- taken, ou the part of the Government, to defray, our funds being absolutely exhausted. Turning now to the Road, as I have already stated, one-half of the Fund, amounting to $92,190, 69, was allotted for its construction. A considerable period was spent in the making of surveys and preparation of estimates, which were carried out by the Public Works Depart- ment, under the guidance of the late Director, Mr. R. D. Origby, the work extending from Kennedy Town via Aberdeen, Stanley and Tytamtuk to hankiwan. When this prelim- inary work had been completed, Mr. Ormsby reported very unfavourably upon the section of the road which it was proposed to mało out of the Fund, namely that from Kennedy Town to Aberdeen, whilst Major-General Black, then General Officer Commanding. raised serious objection to its construction on military grounds. Several ineffectual attempte were made locally to overcome the opposition to the scheme, and finally an appeal to Downing Street na the subject became necessary. This appeal was successful, but the sanction for the construction of the road was hampered in its being laid on a big her level than was originally intended. The carry- ing out of this schema was entrusted to Messrs. Denison, am and Gibbs, who devised a suitable route for the road, and teuders were received which came within the means apportioned to it, and the work has been satisfactorily concluded. Having thus contributed this section of the Jubilee Road, we now look to the Government to take in hand the completion of the pro- ject for a high road that will practically encircle the island, opening
up all its Dany beauties to lovers of
scenery and of nature. The total cost of these two works has been $231,163.32, and I may here point out that the delays entailed by the various difficulties encountered have not been without some compensating advantages inasmuch as the interest accumulated on the Fuud materially augmented our rescurces and has permitted of the original proposals being carried out in a substantial and workmanlike manner. Having now stated in ontline the history of those two Memorial works, it only remains for me to ask your Excellency to be good enough to declare the Hospital open, to affect which purpose I beg to band you this silver key. (Applause.)
HIS EXCELLENCY, having accepted the key, said-Sir Paul Chater, ladies and gentlemen, I have listened with great interest to your account of the Road and the Hospital that were rightly decided upon as a fi ting memorial of that beloved Queen whese m mory will always remain green in our hearts aud whose name will go down the azes as the greatest amongst the great Queens of history. The difficulties
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aboni the Jubilee Road I remember very well. When I cam here first the foundation- stene had just been laid by my predecessor in the
presence of a considerable crowd. among them. no doubt, the General Officer Commanding, who instead of opposing the Governor's trowel with his sword-slaying the masons, and carrying away the bottle with the newspapers-placed there for the lightenment of future archæsliopists, returned to his quarters, took ap the mightier weapon, and wrote that the road was a military danger and must not be. Then I remember the time when the controvery arose whether the road should go by Shaukiwan or by Kennedy Town, The Government, who as we know subscriben half the funds, were rather inclined to favour the Shaukiwan Road, which would have given a driving road for about 20 miles. But the Committee were very firm and absolutely declined to have that road from Shankiwau. Of e urse I need hardly tell you that with their pertinacity they succeedel fu domina- ting the Government on that point. The argument on the one side ws that you would have a driving road round the island. On the other side it was aid you would have a road round Mount Devis on which the Chinese would come ont in the afternoons and would le seen there in crowds enjoying the la'my south- western breezes laden with the odours of Cheung Chow, (Langhter.) The real secret of the Committee's determination was never openly satel. I do not know how it got about. It may have been that one of the Committee was, like Cassins, loose of soul, and in his) sleep did mutter his affairs. (Laughter.) The i real secret beliera was that the Committee | vaid the Government have undertaken to finish this road and it will take up all the money we have to make this small bit round Mount Davis, and if we do not spend it on thet difficuti piece of road we will never see it done. Now we bare a very good 16-feet road there at pre- sent. So far as we can see it appears to be principally for the purpose of affording an opportunity to the Dairy Farm of sending their milk by the higher and lower levels. It has been completed in part at such a level as would probably shorten the wind of any assailant who attempted to take the island that side and leave him an easy victim of the Volunteers or other defenders of that section. (Laughter.) It is true that with the persevering determination that oharacterises everything in Hongkong, portions of the road after the heavy rains attempted bodily to convey themselves to the sea level, but they were couxed back into position by Messrs, Denison and Ram, and now it is a good road and I hope it will be availed of by a large number of peopl and ultimately will be completed round the islaud, when I hope it will satisfy all the condi- tions that were intended. And now, Sir Paul Chater, and ladies and gentlemen, as regards the Hospital: this is a work, I think, against which no caviller could say one word, and I look for- wad with great pleasure to the unique opportunity of turning the key in the entrance- door of a bailding 1,000 feet above the foundation stone which was laid. I believe, originally near the Government Civil Hospital. (Laughter.) This building with its 41 beds, and situated as it is j aboyo the vitiated atmosphere of the crowded city, must be, I am sure, a blessing in the fature to the poor people who will be accommodated here. It is a fitting memorial to our late wishing it God-speed. Ilave great pleasure in beloved Queen, and I am sure we will all join in declaring that it is well and duly opened. (Applause)
look and the company entered the Hospital and His Excelloney then turned the key in the inspected it.
Refreshments were afterwards served.
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