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Appendix No. X.

Speech made by His Excellency Sir Henry A. Blake, Governor, &c., on the occasion of the hoisting of the Flag on the 17th of April, 1899.

This is the place where the British Flag is to be hoisted. The territory hasi · been ceded by the Emperor of China to the Queen of Great Britain. I, being the Governor of Hongkong, have been deputed by my Government to receive the New Territory, and I will treat you as friends and not as enemies. The day is an important epoch in your lives, for to-day you become British subjects. All the world over it is known that the ways of my country in ruling the people are excellent. We simply want to make the people happy, and our country is respected by all the nations of the world. Our dominions spread over, the four quarters of the world and millions upon millions of people own our protection. From this day of hoisting the flag you and your families and your property come under British protection. This territory now becomes part of Hongkong If you, the Chinese, want to know how you will be treated you can go to Kowloon and Hongkong and there see for yourselves. There you will find that all the Chinese are well protected and all their interests cared for. You may carry on your lawful occupations and your buying and selling unobstructed. Your ancés- tral temples and your temples for worshipping your gods will remain. Our Queen hopes that you will always enjoy prosperity and happiness, and I, the Governor, by command of Her Majesty's Government, bereby declare that all your customs and usages will be respected. Village courts will be established and representatives will be selected from your gentry to assist in the management of public affairs, and while acting in accordance with the law you will be allowed perfect freedom. I do not say that existing regulations may not be altered, but ̈ the alterations will only be such as will meet with the approval of the law-abid- ing people. The taxes will be equal and the revenue will be collected justly., You need now have no fear of being squeezed by the officials. If exactions are made in excess of the just charges, the Government will dismiss the officials re- sponsible. The taxes collected will be expended in maintaining order and in public improvements. I am going to make a road from this place to Shá-t'in and thence to Kowloon, so that you may easily transport your goods to Hongkong for sale.

There will be no Customs charges or likin, and you may freely bring back with you goods in exchange. You are now all British subjects and you will share in the benefits resulting from the prosperity of Hongkong. There you will find people who, starting with little capital, have built up great businesses. You will all have the same chance of becoming prosperous. In all the villages we will establish schools, and you will be protected in your rights; even the poorest people will be free from molestation. The laws that are made for your benefit must be obeyed, and all who break the law will be punished severely. All persons, the gentry, the scholars and the common people must act honestly. From this time forth you are British subjects, and should you have any complaint to make the Governor will listen to it, no injustice will be allowed nor any laxity. If you obey the law you need have no fear, and I hope that you will all form one united community bound together by ties of love and respect. I pray God to afford you His protection and give you happiness.

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Appendix No. XI.

Translation of Chinese Notification issued by the Colonial Secretary (J. H. Stewart Lockhart, C.M.G.).

The following notice is issued for general information. As regards land owned by individuals it is a universal practice that tenants pay rent to their land- lords whilst landlords pay taxes to the Government. This is also an old custom in China which it is unnecessary to alter.