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trust will realize all the anticipations formed with regard to it. I beg that your Excellency will keep the key as a souvenir of this occasion. (Applause.}
His Excellency remarked, amid much amusement:—I thank you, but in order to avoid any domestic trouble, I think I will ask Lady May to unlock the door.
The key was then handed to Lady May, who unlocked the door of the new build- ing amid much applause.
Those present then passed into the large lounge, and, when as many as pos“ sible had been seated,
His
EXCELLENCY said:-Ladica and gentlemen, -The Institute which Lady May has just opened has its origin in the Young Women's Christian Associa tion inaugurated as far back as the year 1998 by the late Miss Eyre, a name fami- liar to us in Hongkong in connection with much good work for the beneft of women. The Association had no fixed place of abode till 1009, when it became possible to rent a room in Beaconsfield Arcade, where Bible Classes and needle- work classes were held, and where mem- bers could go to read periodicals or to enjoy each other's society. In 1912 this room was closed, and for a time the asso- ciation was homeless. Later in that
year part of the top floor of Beaconsfield was secured, but before the end of the year it was lost, as the whole of the house passed into the hands of one owner. The Association then found refuge in the office of Mr. H. E. Pollock, K.C., who was absent on leave and kindly lent his room-(applause)-and in Septem- ber, 1913, it sought refuge in two rooms in Queen's Road. In that year a scheme was initiated for establishing a Women's Institute on a larger scale, open to women subject to election by the Council. At the end of 1913 the sum of $1,611 had been collected for this purpose, and the prospect of raising the large sum neces- sary for the success of the scheme looked exceedingly problematical, when Mr. Ellis Kadoorie came forward with the munificent offer container in a letter from 's solicitors dated the 22nd of January, 1914, which I will read, together with Lady May's reply, dated the 24th of January in the same year.
Hongkong. January 22nd, 1014.
Lady May.
Government House.
DEAR MADAM--We are instructed by var client, Mr. Ellis Kadoorie, to inform you that he is willing to place a sum of $15.000 (Hongkong currency) for the pur pose of erecting a Women's Institute or Hostel in the Colony provided that with- in two years from this date an equal sum of money be raised. Our client considers that the building will cost at least the sum of $30,000. The donation offered by Mr. Kadvorie is offered upon the express condition that the building shall be naned and known as The Helena May Institute" or Hostel. as may be decided. or, if you so wish, the building shall be designated under your Christian name] and surname. Mr. Kadoorie requests us to add that if it be hereafter ascertained that a suitable building cannot be erected for the sum of $30,000. and it is found that it will cost upwards of $40.000. he will be willing to pay half the difference in the extra cost.-Yours faithfully.
(81.) Juнxson, STOKES & MASTER. January 24th, 1914.
Dear Mr. KADOORIE. --I have received Messrs. Johnson. Stokes & Master's letter of the 22nd January containing your most generous offer to give a sum of $13,000 or perhaps $20.000 to establish a Women's Institute in the Colony pro- vided that within two years an equal su be raised.
You have made it a condition
of your offer that the Institute should be named after me. As you are no doubt! aware. I have for some years past been closely associated with the work of the Y.W.C.A. and I have no doubt it was the knowledge that this Association has ao building of its own and is hampered by want of funds that prompted your kind offer. I therefore accept your generous offer, for which I and all those connected with the work I have mention ed are most deeply grateful. It is our intention that the Y.W.C.A. shall merge in due course into the new Institute. which will be managed on similar lines. and. if your generosity meets with response from others, with a much wider! scope. I have, as you know. demurred to the new Institute. when established. being called after me, as I feel I have dune na mure than many others to merit distinction. Bot As you cannot be persuaded to waive this stipulation. I accept it with a deep sense of your kind
thought in making it. I propose, there-
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