1906-01-31 — Page 1

HONGKONG LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL.

31ST JANUARY, 1906.

"That the Legislative Council of Hongkong

A meeting of the Legislative Council was held on January 31st, all the Members being present with the exception of the Hon. Mr. R. Shewan.

DEATH OF H.M. KING CHRISTIAN IX., OF DENMARK.

After Mr. H. E. Pollock, K.C., had taken the oath and assumed his seat

HIS EXCELLENCY said―Gentlemen, It has been my sad duty to summon you here to-day to invite you to pass a resolution on the occasion of the death of His Majesty the King of Denmark. Christian IX., born the year before our late Queen of beloved memory, was the oldest of reigning sovereigns. For forty-three years he ruled over the Danes, a people connected with the people of Great Britain by ancient strains of blood and more closely by the bonds that unite the Royal families of the United Kingdom and of Denmark. It is appropriate that from Hongkong, as from other Colonies where Queen Alexandra is held in such affectionate esteem, should come expressions of sympathy at the death of Her Majesty's father, and I submit for signification of your acceptance the following resolution:―

desire to humbly express the sorrow with which the intelligence of the death of the Queen's father has been received and their deep sympathy with Their Majesties the King and Queen in their bereavement."

The Hon. Dr. Ho KAI said―Sir,―With profound respect and sympathy I rise to second the resolution which your Excellency has just so feelingly proposed to this Council. We have been so long accustomed to regard the persons of Their Most Gracious Majesties the King and Queen with affection and esteem that whatever affects them in the smallest degree is sure to call forth a corresponding feeling on our part. On the present occasion, Their Majesties' recent sad bereavement is felt by all British subjects throughout the Colony with a keen sense of sorrow and sympathy. And the resolution before us is but a humble expression of that sentiment of regret and sympathy. I beg, therefore, to second the resolution.

The resolution was passed unanimously. The Council then adjourned sine die.