CO129-499-4 Canton situation- governor's despatches 18-3-1927 - 22-4-1927 — Page 119

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the Lee Gardens was made the stage of the meeting, and

both inside and outside the gardens many funeral scrolls

and different sorts of posters were put up, all of them

uncensored by the Secretary for Chinese Affairs. There was a large replica of the national flag made of flowers

with a photograph of our President in the centre.

About 10 o'clock a large gathering poured in

in a continuous long queue, and the spacious meeting- place was immediately overcrowded. But streams of men were still coming in, and hardly any roan could be found

for them. The gathering numbered about 100,000, all of

whom maintained exceptionally good order. At the same time the Hong Kong Government sent out one thousand British troops to patrol closely the vicinity of the

Lee Gardens. The se surrounded the Gardens with rifles

ready as if they were prepared to fight dangerous foes.

Inside the Gardens there were armed British and Indian

policemen about 400 in all guarding the various

entrances and surrounding the meeting place. On the stage also some constables and detectives were posted to watch the movements of the platfom party and to stop

those who wanted to make speeches.

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At 12 noon the chief Assistant Secretary for Chinese Affairs and the Captain Superintendent of Police came up to the stage with a translator to watch the meeting. The proceedings should have begun by this time, but as the members of the platform party had not all arrived, there was some delay. The Chief Assistant Secretary for Chinese Affairs suddenly spoke to Wong Tong, the principal Chairman, explaining that only one hour and a half were allowed for the meeting and that when this time was up, the meeting must be dismissed whether it was properly finished or not. He also explained that no member of the

audience