10
could be, seen. But the rain kept off, and that was the main point which made the thousands of eager sightseers supremely happy, The Valley presented a most gay appearance long before 5.15, the time His Excellency the Governor was due to arrive on the ground. The seats in the specially constructed large mat-sheds were all occupied about an hour before the Review commenced and hundreds of people were stationed in the enclosure where a very good view of the ground could be, obtained. The grand stand was of course reserved for the choristers and the combined bands and the stands over the new stables were filled with the numerous guests of various clubs and private residents. The decorations were most carefully carried out, the grand stand and the mat-sheds being set off with strings of leaves with here and there a banner, while the long line of Jockey Club stands were gaily decked with flags and banners and drapery, the whole scene being one which did honour to the occasion. His Excellency the Governor, the Consuls, the members of the General Com- mittee, and a number of distinguished ladies were accommodated with seats placed on a raised uncovered platform immediately in front of the grand stand. The arrival of the seamen and the troops was an interesting sight for the huge throng of spectators, amongst whom were thousands of Chinese who lined the unreserved portion of the ground. The allotted positions were soon taken up, the Hongkong Volunteer Corps being on the right of the line and the Asiatic Artillery on the left, and everything was in readiness in good time.
At 5.15 His Excellency the Governor and staff arrived on the ground and passing the reserved stands he was most enthusiastically cheered.
As he took his seat the Royal Standard at the saluting point and the one over the grand stand were unfurled and the combined bands of the West Yorkshire Regiment. and Hongkong Re- giment played the general salute, the troops coming to the present. Without any loss of time the feu de joie was fired and at the end of each seven rounds "God Save the Queen played by the bands. The firing of the small arms was exceedingly well done and most effec tive, being almost as regular as the rapid firing of a Maxim gun. During the feu de joie His Excellency Major-General Black stationed him- self with his staff officers in the centre of the field and when the last shot had been fired be gave the order, "Take off helmets," and then with a ringing voice he called for three cheers for the Queen. It was most soul-stirring to hear the gallant General's stentorian voice shouting "Hip, Hip, Hip" and the tremendous finishing shout proceeded from the throats of the troops and the vast concourse in the enclosure. Those three hearty cheers will live long in the memory of every man on the field and every spectator in the stands.
*
*
on
27 was
of Hooray " which
And now came the march past. The ground was in a terribly sodden condition, there being large pools of water on the recreation portion and a deep top dressing of sloppy mud on the race and training courses, over which the troops had to march. These adverse conditions doubtless led the spectators to look forward to rather a straggling march past, but, thanks to effective drilling and superb determination to do well, the march past was an unqualified success and the spectators cheered the men again and again. The brigade was first formed, in column, the Asiatic Artillery leading, the return being made with- out the guns in mass of quarter column. The guns having been taken round into position the troops were formed into two lines of quarter column, the guns leading, and so the Review ended. It was a magnificent sight to see the men keep such perfect dressing on that track of thick mud, and we must heartily congratulate every man on the field for contributing to make the Review the grand success it was. Without wishing to appear in any way partial we should like to say a special word in regard to the Hongkong Volunteer Corps. The Volunteers fell in at Head-quarters at 3.45 and a photograph having been taken for the Hong- kong Daily Press Diamond Jubilee Year Supple-
[July 1, 1897.
Guard Thou our Queen. Rulor of Earth and Sea, Through all Eternity, In one blest Jubilee
Keep Thou our Queen.
sailors (in unison).
THE HONGKONG WEEKLY PRESS AND in the colony who kindly gave their acceptable services. The music supplied was most welcome and considerably lightened the burden of pulling the guns. Before leaving head-quarters Major Sir John Carrington, Commandant, told the men they were expected to do their best. They The whole assembly, including soldiers and did their best and therefore dignified humanity. They maintained a beautiful line on passing the saluting point and the cheers with which the spectators greeted them showed how popular they are. On the return journey the Volunteers were cheered again and again, not the least hearty being those which the officers of the West Yorkshire Regiment accorded them, Before being dismissed the men, at the call of the Commandant, gave three hearty cheers for the Queen,
The following table shows the state of the parade at the Review:
*
West Yorkshire Regiment Hongkong Regiment Navy and Marines H.K. Coy. Royal Artillery Royal Artillery. Royal Engineers. Hongkong Volunteer Corps H.K. Coy. R.E. Medical Staff Corps
Officers.
14
N.C.O's and Men.
688.
5
524
4
360
6
225
155
114
107
24
10
Total 48
THE MUSICAL PERFORMANCE.
2,207
The grand wind-up of this historic afternoon at the Happy Valley was one of the most im- pressive features of the celebrations. Wheu the troops had marched past for the last time they were dispersed and they at once assembled on their markers in front of the grand stand ment, the Hongkong Regiment, and H.M.S. while the bands of the West Yorkshire Regi- Undaunted took up their positions in the stand, all being ready in a very short time for the R.C.M., the bandmaster of the West York- great musical performance. Mr. W. G. Bentley, shire Regiment, was the conductor and as he took up his baton everyone uncovered while the chorus of 300 voices sang the hymn Praise the Lord to the grand old tune One of the verses was as follows:
Austria," which was most beautifully rendered.
J1
Praise to Thee for Her, Thy champion, Whom our hymns to-day proclaim, One, whose zeal by Thee enlightened
Burns anew with nobler flame; Keep us true to Her allegiance,
"Counting life itself less dear, Standing firmer, holding faster,
As we see the end draw near.
The Hallelujah Chorus from Handel's "Messiah was next given. This magnificent chorus was very finely rendered indeed and created an impression which will not easily fade, It is rarely that Hongkong residents have an opportunity of listening to such a large and excellent chorus accompanied by such a grand orchestra and the effect produced was most sublime. The bands then played a Fantasia, Imperial British Tunes," which was specially arranged by Mr. Bentley and dedicated by permission to H.E. the Governor and the com. unity of Hongkong. The selections were :— (1) Rule Britannia; (2) The Maple Leaf for Ever (Canadian); (3) The Minstrel Boy, St. Patrick's Day; (4) Scots wha hae; (5) Men of Harlech; (6) Unfurl the Flag (Australian); (7) Dear, Sweet little Isle of Man; (8) Sin-fa (Hongkong); (9) Auld Lang Syne;
(10) GOD SAVE THE QUEEN, Bands and Chorus (in harmony).
God save our gracious Queen',, Long live our noble Queen,
God save the Queen; Send her victorious, Happy and glorious Long to reign over us-
God save the Queen.
Female voices only (in unison).
Thou Who for threescore years In sunshine, cloud, and tears
Hast kept our Queen: Still be her Guide and Stay, Thro' life's uncertain way Till dawns the perfect day:
God bless our Queen.
ments the men forined the order of march and Male voices only (in unison). started for the Happy Valley headed by a pipe and drum band, which consisted of various players
God, hear our nation's prayer, Safe in thy loving care
Thy choiceat gifts in store. On her be pleased to pour Long may she reign; May she defend our laws, And ever give us cause,
To sing with heart and voice-
GOD SAVE THE QUEEN.
"God Save the Queen" was listened to most reverently and with feelings of deep emotion, for the words were a fervent prayer which came deeply from the heart of everyone present, And when the last verse was sung by the whole assembly, including soldiers and sailors, one had that indescribable feeling which one ex- periences only on occasions of great solemnity or great public rejoicing, and when the last word had been sung there was a hushed silence for a moment and then burst forth from this loyal throng loud ringing cheers which made the heart glad. The loyal people had done honour to their noble Queen.
THE ILLUMINATIONS,
Aided in so excellent a manner by Nature the people of Hongkong can make a truly marvellous night display with lamps and lanterns. The sloping hills could not be more advantage- ously contoured for illuminations, and wherever the spectator went on Tuesday night, whether it was on shore or water, his eye gazed upon a veritable City of Dazzling Light. To give a word picture of the scene would convey no adequate idea to the stranger of how boldly · magnificent was the sight. It was a huge ing, and too rich to be all seen at one com- panorama of brilliancy too powerful, too strik- prehensive view even from the harbour, and in giving details of the various illuminations we are afraid many of them will be overlooked, so vast was the number and so short was the
time to fittingly observe everything. We will commence from the Praya Reclamation office, which presented a most charming appearance. Its smallness of stature increased the pictures- queness of the many beautiful lanterns which outlined the building and made it one of the most fairy-like sights. The City Hall stood out in majestic style, and was a most conspicuous object of interest. Thousands of vari-coloured, lamps outlined the building and gave it a noble aspect. The new Hongkong Club was exceed- ingly pretty, the illuminations consisting of a tremendous number of red and white lanterns with a magnificent star over the main entrance. The Hongkong and Shanghai Bank was vividly illuminated on three sides, about seven thous ands lamps being used for the purpose. The frontage on the Queen's Road side was exceed- ingly gay, the supporting pillars being wreathed with beautiful lanterns, which were a most pleas ing set off to the perpendicular and horizontal strings of lanterns illuminating the front gen- erally. Over the entrance door were a lion and a unicorn brilliantly lighted, and close by were the words "Diamond Jubilee. God Save the Queen." The frontage on the Praya displayed to great advantage the Bank's flag, surmounted by a Crown between "V. R." and a diamond underneath. Messrs. Siemssen & Co. hit upon a very happy idea. The number of their win- dows exactly corresponds with the number of letters in " Diamond Jubilee," and these words were so well lighted with red lanterns cut out in white that they looked like beautiful puffed silk. The Hongkong Wharf and Godown Company's Offices and the offices of the occupiers of the upper floors were illuminated with red lanterns, which were most effectively displayed. Messrs, Showan & Co, had their blue and white flag displayed with lanterns, its large dimensions giving it a most striking appearance. The illuminations of Messrs Sassoon, Sóns, & Co. were very handsome, as also were those at the offices of the Pacific Mail Steamship Company. Crossing the street for the moment we come to the Queen's Statue which was out- lined with electric lights, the arches also being hung with them, while the bottom step was illuminated with festoons of Japanese lanterns, The statue presented a most beautiful appear- ance and was one of the best of the sights. Resuming the journey along the Praya Messrs.
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