THE HONGKONG GOVERNMENT GAZETTE, 6ти JUNE, 1885.
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A preliminary list of guarantors was also read, the amount of the guarantee fund being already £128,600.
The EARL OF DERBY said: I have been asked to move a resolution and I do it with great pleasure, but also very briefly, because argument is superfluous where I presume we are all of one mind, and it would be a mere waste of time to relate the circumstances, with which you are no doubt familiar, which should induce you to accept this resolution. There was a time, a few years ago, when it was said ex- hibitions were played out, and that it would be well, for a time at least, to discontinue them. I do not know whether that feeling was ever justified by the facts; it may have represented a passing phase of opinion in London, but it is not the case now. We have had recent experience, and we have seen that, whatever the ostensible objects of the exhibition, whether appliances of health, fisheries, forestry, or whatever the subject may be, the interest that is felt in these exhibitions is unabated, and ever increasing. The numbers frequenting them seem to increase every year, and if they are well conducted there can be no doubt they will be a financial success. If this be true, generally, it is still more likely to be true in the case of the exhibition which is to be held next year. I think we must all see and feel that there never was a time in the history of the country when so deep and general an interest was taken in the affairs of the colonies; and I think also we all feel that, living as we do in a small and overcrowded island, it is both our duty and our interest to do all in our power to bring before the minds of our fellow countrymen those vast countries beyond the sea, in which those who have comparatively small opportunities of making a successful career in this country may have a better chance in another state of society. After the correspondence which has been read, it will not be necessary for me to recapitulate the details of what has passed, especially as His Royal Highness has been kind enough to state what is most important on that point. I will only say that to me, and those with whom I have acted departmentally, and I think I may say the agents of the colonies, it has been a source of pride and satisfaction to be able to help according to the measure of our power in promoting the wishes of His Royal Highness. I think, although the matter is not completed, and therefore it is undesirable to enter into details, that our colonial fellow subjects, both as regards governments and communities, have responded to the appeal made to them in that liberal and patriotic manner we have every reason to expect. You have heard the list of guarantors read: it is, I believe, an ample one for all purposes, and no doubt can be increased if necessary; and looking at the increase 1 interest in colonial affairs, and the way the colonies have taken the matter up, I think there is no doubt that this exhibition will be a great success. The purpose
of the resolution I have to propose is that the Royal Commission may endorse the steps taken by His Royal Highness; and I think I may say that no passage in His Royal Highness's address has given so much satisfaction as that in which he gives us an assurance that he will take the same position in this exhibition as in that of 1878.
The EARL OF KIMBERLEY seconded the resolution, and said,-As regards India, I have this exhibition much at heart. There is, perhaps, nothing more desirable for India than that its products and industries should be well known in this country, although we have much more to learn from than to teach them. Their beautiful manufactures which they have produced for so many ages have proved that there is a knowledge of many branches of art which it would be a thousand pities should be diminished under our rule. I have often been struck with the calamity of the introduction of our taste into Eastern arts and manufactures; for their taste is far better than ours, although we have no doubt engineering knowledge and skill and the command of capital; and I cannot conceive of any advantage greater than that the two countries should be brought together. The Government of India will itself undertake the collection and management to a great extent of what is to be sent into this country. You will see from the immense size of our Indian empire, and the position of the Government there, that it is much better this should be taken in hand by the Government. It is a great satisfaction to me to concur entirely with the proposals made by His Royal Highness, and with my noble friend that this exhibition will be a remarkable success.
The following is the resolution, which was carried unanimously:-"That this Commission entirely approves of the arrangements made by His Royal Highness the Prince of Wales, the Executive President, and now reported by him in detail; and they desire to convey their cordial thanks to His Royal Highness for the interest he has shown in the undertaking, and their appreciation of the judicious steps taken by him to insure its success. The Commission further desire to express their cordial appreciation of the liberal and gratifying contributions already made to the guarantee fund, and their
warn thanks to the subscribers.
The PRINCE OF WALES :- -I feel very grateful to Lord Derby for the kind way in which he has moved this resolution, and to Lord Kimberley also for the kind expressions that have fallen from him, and for the hearty and unanimous approval of this Commission, which I look upon as a vote of confidence in myself. I may say that to the utmost of my power and endeavour I will do all I can to further the exhibition, and I feel sure that I shall have the hearty support and concurrence of the distinguished gentlemen of whom I see so many around ine. I thank you again for having listened to the address I read to you. and only hope that no untoward event may occur between now and next year to prevent this resulting in perhaps the finest exhibition that has ever been held.
The meeting then terminated.
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