28
In November a loan of $3,000,000 guaranteed by the Govern- ment was ruised as a gift to His Majesty's Government for war purposes, and a further sum of $2,000,000 was added when the accounts for the year were closed; other contributions from the Colony towards the war consisted inter alia of the following:-
(a)-Direct Contributions,
1. British War Loans ...
2. Exchequer Bonds
£144,230 033,360
3.--War Savings Certificates 4.-British War Expenditure Corti-
58,334
fientre
26,700
Total
£862,624
The Hongkong and South China War Savings Association. which, though it had been established only two months, had already invested on behalf of its members nearly $200,000. The Committee consists of very representative men, with the Union Insurance Society of Canton as Honorary Secretaries and Treasurers,
(b)--Indirect Contributions.
1.-Federated Malay States 6 per
cent War Loan
(Straits ('urrency.)
$52,650
2.-War Loan Investment Trust of
Malaya...
24,030
Bonds
430,000
$513,280
3.-Straits Settlements War Loan
Total...
In addition, besides £1,145,000 contributed to War Loans by the Hongkong and Shanghai Banking Corporation, large sums Ive been taken up in those loans by local Companies from funds available in London,
Three hundred and fifty-one volunteers for active service have left the Colony to join His Majesty's Forces.
The Special Police Reserve has increased to 127 British, 221 Portuguese 71 Indians, aud 235 Chinese, and has proved of invalu- able assistance to the Colony. '
The St. John's Ambulance Brigade, which was inaugurated during the year, became very popular with the Chinese and reach- ed a total of 8 British offheers and 13 Chinese officers and men. With this is associated the Voluntary Aid Detachment which con- sists of 76 ladies.
There is also a company of Cadets attached to the Volunteer Corps whose numbers totalled 70 at the end-of the year, and a company of Baden Powell Boy Scotts formed by-St. Joseph's College which numbered 50.
29 --
The winding up of the German and Austrian firms is now approaching completion. Practically all the assets in all the liquid- utions have been realised, with the exception of a few leasehold properties and certain shares held by secured creditors. The lease- hold properties will soon be sold, and the secured creditors referred to will be required to realise their securities.
To a few cases the completion of the winding up is delayed by litigation or other disputes with claimants.
One of the most notable events of the your was the Best Congregation of the University of Hongkong, which was held on December 14th. The Chancellor (Sir F. H. May, K.C.M.G., LL.D., A., Governor of the Colony) having declared the Congregation opened, a message from the President of the Republic of China was read darkish the following iqa translation
7
All
typos of men are here; their gifts diverse! Plant growths oft mingle; each stem has its root. Each scholar's competent : his learning shows complete, A boon received through course of study meet. Were not your teachers versed in wjedom's lore, Who could awake young manhood mind to soar. China and Western lands have now one aim, One thought and pårpose; løftning to acclaim. May scholars throng you portals, there to seek, Training and strengilf mind, as plants when weak Are trained to grow and thrive.
Your methods, wist qnd clear, are seen to be
Marks of this ning by the Southern sea, Brict though the course of your years
Achieved your glorious fame.
Your status is seen to be
great
As the Hoog To School of Hon days.
Your praises are published to-day.
They will surely be known through the world.
The Vice-Chancellor (Sir Charles Eliot, K.C.M.G., D.C.L., LL.D., M.A.) then delivered an address, after which Honorary Degrees were conferred on the following:-
Sir F. D. Lugard, Governor-General of Nigeria, and
first Chancellor of the University. (In absentió.) Monsieur Finot, Director of the French Institution in Hanoi, founded for the purpose of research in the literature and ancient civilisation of French colonial possessions.
Sir Robert Ho Tung, a merchant of Hongkong, who for many years has been well known for his generous philanthropy and his interest in education. Since the foundation of the University he has been one! of its most prominent supporters, among his bene-
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