94
Extract from Hongkong daily Ress of 23rd hovember 1907
our
own
80
placed before the theu Viceroy, but it is due to him to say that when they were presented to him he acquiesced with a readiness that did hin honour. And in considering the custom that secus to Us so inhumanly cruel and fraught with injustice, we ought not to forget that hardly a century has passed since cruelties as terrible were possible under laws, until at length our eyes were opened to the injustice and uselessness of the barbarous practices. (Applause). I wish that I could accept the assumption that the Improvement Trust has actually been founded. The scheme has gone home for the consideration of the Secretary of State, with my strong advics that it shall be adopted. (Applause). But great as is the importance of the structural improvement of Hongkong, there is a matter of greater and more pressing moment that I wish to bring forcibly before you in these last moments before I leave your shores. That is the pressing necessity of utilising the British concession that has been granted for a railway from Canton to the borders of our territory. (Applause). That concession bas been granted to a British syndicate, and it is their duty to utilise it and supply the natural seaport ter- minus to the great sterial line in Hankow, 'est possible developments he sought inimicaí to the interests of Hongkong (hear, hoary. We have not built up our Empire by being laggards in the race for developments necessary for the expansion of the trade of the world, and letting "I dare pot" wait upon "I will" has never con- quered a position nor retained it for either men or nations. And now, ladies and gentlemen, I will touch upon a statement that bas besu reiterated many times duringthe term of my administration That is that I am too pro-Chinese in my views. Well, I bardly know how to answer this. It it means that I have favoured the Chinesa members of the commnuity at the expense of the Europeans I deny it most strenuously, (applause), and this beautiful address in which Chinese and non-Chinese have joined, supports my denial, What is the duty of the British Government, and what is the duty of His Majesty's representative in Crown Colonies! whose prosperity depends upo the common action of the best men among its population ? Not to destroy social distinctious, nor to decrease the respect and consideration that ought to be the reward of the educated, the upright, the honest and successful mau of every race, bat to give equal protection to all, and to bring home the fealing that under the British flag, justine is pure and unpurchasable, and every man through all the grades, from the highest to the poorest coolie whom we meet with dull eye and patient industry toiling up from the sea to the Peak with his loads of sand or bricks, is free to think what he likes, to speak what he thinks with- ont let or hindrance so long as he obers the laws that have been made for securing the pro- tection and comfort of the whole community. (Applause). This is the estimate that I have formed of my duty, and I have endeavoured to carry it out with a keen and abiding sense of my responsibility to my King, to this com- minnity, and to my own conscience. (Applause). And now that I am about to hand over the reius of government to my friend the Colonial Secretary for whose industry, ability, and honesty of purpose I woull gladly vouch were it necessary in a community to whom he is so long and so intimately known. (Applause). I and my wife bid you good-bye with beartfelt wishes for your happiness and prosperity in- dividually and collectiv ly, and our earnest prayer that the dark cloud of plague that has kung over the Colony for ten long years may be dissipated by the efforts of the devoted workers engaged in combating its ravages, and that the great port of Hongkong rasy once more become as healthy as it is boautiful. Good- bye! (Loud applause.) I will only add, ladies and gentlemen, that I wish I had seen the sun on the last day of my stay in Hongkong as Governor, but the sorrow and regret with which we leave it on so wet a day has its solace, and that is, that my friend, Mr. May, will enter upon his administration under the beneficent influence of a rainy day which will improve the vegetation, and I hope, replenish the reservoirs and providently Bare this Colony from the dangers,
the difficulties and the troubles of a
Water
famine like last year. (Loud and continued applause).
THE DISTRICT WATCHMEN.
The company then dispersed, and proceeding to the entrance of the City Hall, .E. addressed a body of the District Watchmen, some 80 strong, his remarks being interpreted in Chinese by Mr. Ho Fook.
HIS EXCELLENCY said--District Watchmen, I determined to say a word of commendation to you before I loft the Colony. I think it most | creditable to the Chinese community of the Colony that, on side the regular police force they have, by voluntary contributions, raised a special force of district watchmen for the purpose of assisting in the work of the police. I hear that yon are over 80 strong at the present moment, and from the Registrar-General, who is one of the committee, I learn most excellent accounts of the manner in which you have done your work. Some of you have been highly commended, and during the past year several have received rewards. It is an useful thing to have a body of men like you, and probably in the course of time, some of you will be ready to go on from this District Watchmen Foree into the regular Chinese police force of the Colony. I am. vory glad to have the opportunity of seeing you here to-day and saying "good-bye" to yon. One last word. If you continue to do your duty faithfully you may be always sure of that consideration and respect from your Chinese friends in the Colony and from the European residents that make life very pleasant to every man. I now say good-bye" to you, and I hope that, in the future, you will continue to be worthy of the high com- mendation that I have heard of you from the
the gentlemen of the committee and from Registrar-General to-day.
THE FAREWELL,
From the City Hall His Excellency, Lady Blake and Sir John Keane proceeded, in chairs under 271 escort of eight Indian constables in charge of Sergeant Abley, to Blake Pier, where guard of honour of the Sherwood Foresters was drawn up and the band of the same regiment. Thousands of people flocked to the vicinity of the Pier to bid farewell to the Governor, and the Pier itself was crowded by very many prominent people in the Colony. The Governor's party, including Hon. F. H. May and Mrs. May, then boarded the launch Victoria (which flow the Hongkong flag and the Blue Ensign), and the farewell words having been spoken, they set off for the Malta amid rousing cheers from the crowd, the boom of cannon from the Tamar, the noise of numberless crackers (the figure was stated to be ten millions) let off on shore and on the craft in the Babour, and the strains of "Auld Lang Syne" from the band. About a score of launches accompanied the Governor to the Malta. Upon landing at i the gangway the party were received by Captain Daniel, the commander. Many hundreds came aboard to shake hands for the last time with Sir Henry, and it was not until the last minute that the visitors took their leave. As the launches sailed away they each circled round the liner and the passengers gave cheers for Sir Henry and Lady Blake, who stood apou the hurricane- deck. As the Malta started on her journey another salute was fired from the Tomar.
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