CO129-517-5 The visit of the Duke of Gloucester to Hong Kong 2-5-1929 - 23-5-1929 — Page 19

19

settled and permanent, and we trust that there is now dawning a new era of prosperity which will redound to the benefit not only of this Colony but of the Far East

generally.

During the recent troubles His Majesty thought fit, for the protection of His subjects and their property, to increase His Naval and Military Forces in the Far East. We are grateful for His Majesty's concern on our behalf. We here did what was in our power for the health and

and Soldiers and are comfort of His Majesty's Sailors deeply appreciative of His Majesty's recognition of our

citizens who assisted in those endeavours.

The population of the Colony continues to increase but such increase brings with it enhanced responsibilities It may interest Your Royal Highness to know that the Colony is at the moment engaged in an extensive scheme of improved water-supply. The winter months were exceptiona- lly dry and this drought has necessitated irksome restrictions. Our improved water-supply is designed to meet the needs of all sections of the Colony's population.

The Port of Hong Kong still holds its dominant position as a world shipping port, and work is in progress to enable this Colony to take its place as one of the

great Air Ports of the future.

We sincerely regret that the duration of Your visit is short, but we realise that You have many and important duties to perform and we can only hope that Your Royal Highness will take away pleasant memories of Your sojourn

here.

We wish Your Royal Highness a fair voyage and a

safe return home, and we beg You on reaching England to

convey