CO129-454 - Acting Governor Claud Severn - 1919 [4-6] — Page 560

Encl caure 3.

Extract from the Hansard Report of the Meeting of

Legislative Council of 5th, June, 1919.

556

- 2 -

The Resolution which you were good enough to move at the meeting of the Councils and the speeches in which the Resolution was supported have profoundly moved me ; and I would ask you to convey to the Honourable Members of the Councils my deep and abiding sense of their warm appreciation of whatever services I have been able to render to the Colony of Hongkong. I value especially the expressions of esteem and affection which they have extended to my wife and to my family.

The sorrow which we feel at parting with Hongkong is, we beg to assure you, wonderfully lightened by the sympathy and appreciation which your letter and its enclosures express.

I have, &c.,

(Sd.)

F. H. MAY.

Copy of telegram sent to Ford Milner on January 15th, 1919,

On the 10th of January I had a slight cerebro-vascular attack affecting right leg. In doctors opinion should not risk return to post, especially if pressure of work. On public grounds alone it appears best to tender my resignation with great regret, from such date as you may decide.

MAY.

Copy of answer received from Lord Milner on January 21st, 1919. Have received your telegrom 15th January with great regret. In the circumstances can only accept your resignation from the end of February with much reluctance and warm thanks for your long and distinguished services. Am informing Hongkong. Sincerely hope that with rest your health will be re-established.

(Extract from the Hongkong Government Gazette No. 17 of the 17th April, 1919.)

THE HONOUR ACCORDED TO SIR HENRY MAY,

•

H. E. The officer Administering the Government I feel sure that

the promotion of our late Governor to be a Knight Grand Cross of

the Most Distinguished Order of St. Michael and Saint George has

given general satisfaction in the Colony. His long and distinguish- -ed career is, I believe, to be commemorated in this Colorry in a

manner which is very suitable, but it is fitting that he should

receive from the Sovereign whom he has served so faithfully such

a mark of His Majesty's favour as that now bestowed. The members

of this Council where 3ir Henry May sat as Colonial Secretary and

Governor for so many years will, I think, wish to record the

feelings of the community on the honour that has been conferred

on him, and I therefore move the following resolution.

"The Members of the Legislative Council desire to record

their great appreciation of the honour which has been con-

-ferred by His Majesty the King on Sir Francis Henry May by

bestowing upon him the rank of Knight Grand Cross of the

Host Distinguished Order of Saint Michael and Saint George

for the eminent services rendered by him during his leng

career in the Public Service".

The Hon. Mr. Lau Chu Pak I have much pleasure in seconding this

resolution.

The resolution was carried unanimously.