Sessional_Paper_1896 — Page 916

[ XLI ]

XXXVI.)

The particular questions asked in my despatch of the 30th July, No. 112, and (See page referred to in detail in the enclosure to that despatch will probably receive an answer from you in due course, but in the meantime I have great pleasure in expressing my entire satisfaction at the effective and judicious measure adopted by you in relation to the foundation of that Institution.

Governor SIR R. G. MACDONNELL, C. B.,

&C.

&C.,

&c.

I have, &c.,

GRANVILLE.

Ne. 947.

MY LORD,

(Despatch from the Governor to the Secretary of State.)

GOVERNMENT HOUSE, HONGKONG, 19th February, 1872.

I have much pleasure in reporting that on Wednesday, the 14th instant, I was enabled to assist at the ceremony of declaring the Chinese Hospital open. Most of the furniture, however, is not yet completed, but, nevertheless, as the building itself is finished, it was thought wise by the Native Committee of Management to open the Hospital before the termination of the usual Chinese New Year's holidays, which in 1872 commenced on the 9th February.

XLIU et seg.)

2. I have directed an account of the preliminary religious ceremony and the (See pages subsequent proceedings to be complied from the local papers, and your Lordship will perceive that I availed myself of the opportunity to place before the Chinese the obligations, which they might be regarded as having undertaken, and reminded them of the position, which they would occupy in future, enjoying great freedom in all matters of local details and management but subject to the general superintendence and visits of certain Government Officers.

3. At the same time I felt it right to pay a just tribute to the exertions of the Committee, who have been indefatigable in urging on the work, and who have not merely raised amongst their countrymen donations exceeding $40,000 for the actual construction of the building, but have also obtained a list of annual subscribers pledged to contribute $7,000 yearly to the expenses.

4. Your Lordship is aware that I returned here with your authority to advance $10,000 to the cost of the building and to invest £20,000 for its maintenance. A lesser sum, however, seemed to me on closer investigation adequate for all the purposes which it was politic to aid directly by Government money. I felt assured that nothing would more easily generate apathy and indifference as to the economy and management of details than a supposition that the Hospital was sufficiently endowed from other sources, to enable its Committee to dispense with further exertions on the part of its early promoters and supporters.

5. Therefore, I considered it expedient to set apart for annual support of the Hospital only so much money as, if liberally supplemented by native donations and subscriptions, might enable the objects of that institution to be carried out. In this way a perpetual canvas and unflagging interest, it is hoped, may be kept up.