[English] THE ROYAL VISIT. Hongkong Acclaims Popular Prince.

THE ROYAL VISIT.

Hongkong Acclaims Popular Prince.

H.R.H.'s Tribute.

"FAR-FAMED OUTPOST OF EMPIRE."

HONGKONG has to-day given a royal welcome to His Royal Highness Prince Edward of Wales. Ever since it was first announced that the Prince would be visiting Japan in return the compliment of the Crown Prince's official journey to Britain, we have been waiting for this day. We have watched the course of Prince Edward's tour through India, to Ceylon, and the Straits Settlements with growing interest, and now that our turn has come we have at last realised the keen hopes and expectations of many months. If the outward evidences of Hongkong's welcome have appeared small by comparison with the gorgeous grandeur of all that the Prince saw in India, we know that no more sincere or heartfelt demonstration of affection has been extended to him than by the inhabitants of this Colony. One thing can be said - that Hongkong has done its best.

At an early hour this morning residents were abroad taking up advantageous positions from which to view the morning's happenings. It had been announced that the Renown would be arriving in Port at eight o'clock, but long before that time enthusiastic members of the Victoria Recreation Club had manned Dragon Boats and were out to meet the Prince's ship, thus lending a picturesque touch to the first welcome.

Owing to fog outside, the Renown was over an hour late on the scheduled time, the watching crowds first catching a glimpse of her at 9.20, as she steamed slowly in from the eastern entrance to the harbour. The weather up to now had been dull and overcast, with occasional drizzly rain, but this in no wise damped the enthusiasm of the crowds of spectators who had been waiting ever since the early hours of the morning.

Due to the late arrival of the Renown in port, all the morning functions had to be delayed for an hour and a quarter, but in spite of the long wait entailed and the very dreary weather, everybody was very cheerful. The display of daylight fireworks was watched by large crowds on the Praya and on the verandahs of the big sea-front offices, some amusement being caused by several of the flags, fish, etc. released by the bombs falling on the troops lining the route.

In conversation with a visiting pressman off the Renown, a Telegraph representative was informed that the Renown had had a fairly good trip up from Singapore, but ran into very heavy fog early this morning. She was forced to anchor off Lyemun Pass but later decided to steam slowly in behind the escorting cruiser Durban, which had its rear searchlight going to give the bigger vessel a guide. The delay was unavoidable.

There were already big crowds out when the Renown, which dwarfed all the other warships in harbour, made fast to the buoy which had been specially reserved right in the centre of the fairway. With all the naval boats, both British and visiting, having dressed ship with other boats in port having been decorated for the occasion, the harbour presented a gay appearance.

The Colony soon realised that the Renown had arrived. The Royal Salute boomed out almost simultaneously from many points. A saluting battery of the H.K.S.R.G.A. was stationed on Gun Club Hill, Kowloon, whilst the naval boats in port, headed by H.M.S. Hawkins, all took part in offering the regulation welcome of a Naval Station to the Prince.

The first official call on the Royal Visitor was made by His Excellency the Admiral (Vice Admiral Sir Alexander Duff), who put off from his yacht the Alacrity just after the Renown arrived. The next call made was that of the Japanese Admirals in Port (Vice Admiral Sapuro Momotake and Rear Admiral Katsunoshin Yamanashi), this being followed ten minutes later by the official call of His Excellency the Governor (Sir Edward Stubbs, K.C.M.G.) with whom was H.E. the General Officer Commanding (Sir John Fowler, K.C.M.G., C.B., D.S.O.), Sir William Rees Davies and the Hon. Mr. Claud Severn, C.M.G.

THE LANDING.

Prince's Novel Ride.

The Prince, looking very fit in the white uniform of a Captain of the Royal Navy, landed at Blake Pier at twenty minutes to eleven. He was met by the Admiral and the General and was then introduced to leading officials and civil residents of the Colony, who were lined up in two ranks facing one another on the pier. His Royal Highness passed through the ranks, giving a cordial handshake and a few words of greeting to each one.

The naval officers in company with the Admiral were Capt. James, Chief of Staff, from the Hawkins; Capt. Sullivan, H.M.S. Curlew; Capt. Benning, H.M.S. Titania; Capt. Ballard, H.M.S. Durban; Capt. Curry, H.M.S. Cairo; Pay Capt. Miller; Surgeon Capt. Dalton; and Flag Lieut. Stewart, A.D.C.

The military officers in company with the General were G.S.O. (Lt. Col. R.M. Crosse), D.A.A. & Q.M.G. (Lt. Col. W.N. Nicholson) C.M.G., D.S.O., Chief Engineer (Col. C.W. Davy, C.B.), C.R.A. (Lt. Col. W.O. Sanders, D.S.O.), O.C. King's Regt. (Col. F. Hyslop, C.B.E.), O.C. 1/102nd Grenadiers (Major W.R. Roberts, D.S.O.), Commandant H.K.V.D.F. (Lt. Col. L.G. Bird, D.S.O.), D.D.M.S. (Col. L. Humphry, C.M.G.).

As His Royal Highness stepped off the pier he was heartily cheered by the crowds thronging the streets and balconies of the buildings facing the water front. The Marine Band struck up the National Anthem, all present standing to attention, after which the Prince inspected the naval guard-of-honour, composed of 100 ratings from all ships, under Lieut. Dundas on H.M.S. Hawkins, which formed a barrier in Pedder Street. During the ceremony the band discoursed music.

The Prince was then conducted to the Royal chair. Apparently this form of locomotion is new to His Royal Highness. A look of astonishment appeared on his face for a second, but it was soon replaced by that smile which is now known to most of the world and which has helped to make him so popular wherever he has been. He cautiously took his seat and then settled himself down to make his novel journey.

Gilt with a scarlet canopy of satin fringed with gold, and scarlet satin cushions, and side trappings of the same colour and material with the Prince of Wales' feathers embroidered in silver, the "Ich Dien" in gold on a background of blue, the Royal chair containing our illustrious visitor was lifted by eight stalwart bearers in uniforms of scarlet and white and Manchu hats to match, and amidst the cheers of the crowd the procession moved off along the Praya in the direction of the special pavilion.

As the Prince departed in his chair, followed by members of his staff and local officials, cheers broke forth, the crowd shouting and waving their hats as His Royal Highness passed along the way.

Arriving at the private gate of the pavilion, His Royal Highness was met by His Excellency the Governor.

AT THE PAVILION.

An Impressive Function.

Drawn up at the Pavilion was a guard of honour from the King's (Liverpool) Regiment and in command of Captain E. C. Cross. The officer with the Battalion colours was Lieut. C. P. Moore, M.C., and the officer with the guard Lieut. W. J. Humphry, M.C.

Inside the pavilion was a gay scene, in striking contrast to the dull conditions outside. Soon after nine o'clock, ticket-holders began to assemble and when Sir William Rees Davies announced that the arrival there would be about an hour and a quarter late, the building was already well filled. The completed Pavilion decorations presented a most pleasing scene and when the full function was in progress later the spectacle was an impressive one. The addresses to be presented were laid on a table in front of the dais, whilst the huge Chinese address, on yellow satin, was hung on the wall behind. After a long wait, those assembled were at last rewarded. There had been the growing noise of the cheering outside and the hurried seating of those who had come along after presentation at Blake Pier.

The doorway leading from the Prince's retiring room suddenly opened and, preceded by H. E. the Governor, His Royal Highness stepped out on the dais to the accompaniment of a roar of cheering, which continued for some time. Behind him stood Sir Lionel Halsey and a number of other officers and A. D. C's.

Those officially present were:-

His Excellency the Governor and Lady Stubbs, Captain R. Neville A. D. C., and Mr. Eric Rice, Private Secretary.

The Governor of Macao (Senhor Correia da Silva), Captain Seeras de Reis, A. D. C., Lieut. E. Cheddes.

Vice-Admiral Sir. A. L. Duff and Miss Duff, Captain W. M. James (H. M. S. Hawkins, Chief of Staff) and Mrs. James, Pay-Captain Hugh Miller, D. S. O., and Flag Lieut. R. R. Stewart, A. D. C. Commodore W. Bowden Smith, C. B. E., and Mrs. Bowden Smith, Captain Harold E. Sullivan, D. S. O. (H. M. S. Curlew); Captain Charles S. Benning, D. S. O. (H. M. S. Titania); Captain Hugh S. Currie, (H. M. S. Cairo) and Mrs. Currie; Captain Casper B. Ballard (H. M. S. Durban) and Mrs. Ballard; Surgeon-Captain Dalton C.M.G. and Engineer Captain Garwood; Commander Hartford and Mrs. Hartford.

The General Officer Commanding (Major General Sir John Fowler, K.C.M.G., C.B., D.S.O.) and Lady Fowler; Captain C. S. Fisher, A.D.C.; Lieut. Col. R. M. Crosse (General Staff Officer) and Mrs. Crosse; Lieut.-Col. W. N. Nicholson, C.M.G., D.S.O. (D.A.A. & Q.M.G.); Col. C. W. Davy, C.B. (Chief Engineer); Lieut.-Col. W. O. Sanders, D.S.O. (C.R.A.) and Mrs. Sanders; Lieut.-Col. F. Hyslop, C.B.E. (O. C. King's Regiment) and Mrs. Hyslop; Major W. R. Roberts D.S.O. (O.C. 1/102nd. Grenadiers) and Mrs. Roberts; Lieut.-Col. L. G. Bird, D.S.O. (Commandant H.K.V.D.C.) and Mrs. Bird; Col. L. Humphry C.M.G. (D.D.M.S.) and Mrs. Humphry.

The Chief Justice, Sir William Rees Davies and Lady Rees Davies, Mr. Justice H.H.J. Gompertz.

The Bishop of Victoria, Rt. Rev. Dr. Duppuy, and His Lordship Bishop Pozzoni; Sir Paul Chater, C.M.G. and Lady Chater, Hon. Mr. Claud Severn, C.M.G., Mrs. Severn and Mrs. Bullock, Hon. Mr. J. H. Kemp, C.B.E., K.C., and Mrs. Kemp, Hon. Mr. T. L. Perkins and Mrs. Perkins, Hon. Mr. E. R. Hallifax, O.B.E., and Mrs. Hallifax, Hon. Mr. C. McI. Messer, O.B.E., and Mrs. Messer, Hon. Mr. E. A. Irving, Mrs. and two Misses Irving, Hon. Mr. H. E. Pollock, K.C., and Hon. A. G. Stephen, Mrs. Stephen and Miss Addis, Hon. Mr. E. V. D. Parr and Mrs. Parr, Hon. Mr. A. O. Lang and Mrs. Lang, Hon. Mr. Lau Chu-pak and Miss Lau Chu-pak, Hon. Mr. Chow Shou-son and Mrs. Chow Shou-son.

Vice-Admiral Sapuro Momotake and Staff, Rear Admiral Katsunoshin Yamanashi and staff, Captain Tokujiro Tatsuno (H.I.J.M.S. Kiso), Captain Goo Maruwo (H.I.J.M.S. Ohi), Captain Kumagoro Migita (H.I.J.M.S. Kue Kuma), and Captain Gengo Hyakutake (H.I.J.M.S. Tama).

Mr. W. H. Gale (U. S. Consul-General) and Mrs. Gale, Comdr. G. M. Baum (U.S.S. Wilmington) and Mrs. Baum, Officers of the Wilmington.

Captain Batalha, Captain Manso Preto (Portuguese ship Patria), Capt. and Mrs. C. de Luz, Lieut. Vasconcelos Sa, Lieut. E. Cheddas.

Mr. J. W. Jamieson, C.M.G. (Consul General at Canton), General Wong (Canton).

Mr. E. C. Pearce and Mrs. Pearce, Mr. E. F. Mackay and Mrs. Mackay (Shanghai).

Viscount Acheson, Sir William Brunyate, K.C.M.G. and Lady Brunyate, Sir Robert Ho Tung and Lady Ho Tung.

Mr. H. W. Bird and Mrs. Bird, Mr. R. M. Dyer and Mrs. Dyer, Mr. G. T. Edkins, Mr. D. G. M. Bernard, Mr. C. Montague Ede and Mrs. Ede, Rev. G. T. Waldegrave, Mr. F. C. Jenkin, C.B.E., Brigadier-General E. B. Macnaghten and Mrs. Macnaghten, Mr. R. Sutherland, M.B.E., and Mrs. Sutherland, Mr. G. M. Young, M.B.E., Mr. and Mrs. J. R. Wood, Mr. and Mrs. E. D. C. Wolfe, Mr. and Mrs. H. P. Winslow, Dr. J. T. C. Johnson, Mr. H. R. Phelips, Mrs. and Miss Phelips, Mr. and Mrs. H. K. Holmes, Mr. and Mrs. N. L. Smith, Mr. and Mrs. R. E. Lindsell, Mr. S. B. C. Ross, Mr. P. Jacks, Comdr. C. W. Beckwith, R.N., and Mrs. Beckwith, Mr. A. G. M. Fletcher, C.B.E., Mrs. Fletcher and Miss Rogers Harrison, Mr. and Mrs. H. A. Nisbet, Mr. D. W. Tratman, Mr. and Mrs. G. R. Sayer, Mr. and Mrs. T. F. Claxton, Mr. C. G. Hickling and Mrs. Hickling, C.B.E., Mr. C. A. D. Melbourne, Mr. E. W. Hamilton, Mr. A. E. Wood, Mr. G. N. Orme, Mr. J. W. Franks, and Mr. H. Green.

In special side seats were the following Consuls and acting Consuls:- M. Paul Kremer and madame Kremer (France), Senhor and Madame Fernandes (Portugal), Mr. Kichi Gunji (Japan), Cavalier L. Petrucci and Madame Petrucci (Italy), Mr. Sverre Berg and Madame Berg (Norway), Mr. C. S. Bechner (Netherlands), Mr. and Madame O. P. Canseco (Peru), Mr. J. M. Alves, Madame and Miss Alves (Brazil), Mr. and Mrs. J. P. Braga (Guatemala), Mr. and Mrs. Arnaldo G. Astross (Chile), Mr. Carlos V. Ariza (Mexico) and Mr. Jose C. Obaldia (Panama).

When the cheering had subsided, Sir William Rees Davies, as Chairman of the Committee, introduced Sir Paul Chater, and later introduced the others who read the addresses. The Prince stood during the reading of the British address, but thereafter indicated that all should be seated, thus putting everyone at ease. The Prince appeared a trifle nervous himself, but very unaffectedly smiled as he shook hands with those who had addressed him.

British Community's Address.

Sir Paul Chater, who ascended the Dais after being presented, said:-

TO HIS ROYAL HIGHNESS THE PRINCE OF WALES.

May it please Your Royal Highness,

Sir,- The subjects of the King, of every race, and of every creed, in this, one of the most distant of the possessions of the Crown, tender to Your Royal Highness their loyal and affectionate homage.

They welcome with especial pride and pleasure the Great Grandson of the August Sovereign, in whose Glorious Reign that symbol of freedom, the Flag of Britain, was first raised over this remote and rocky island.

Your Royal Highness knows that this City of Victoria, which to-day pays respectful fealty to the Royal House, bears the revered name of Queen Victoria of blessed memory, whose statue adorns our Square.

Up to the years 1840 this island and its dependencies were sterile rocks, supporting with difficulty a struggling population of a few hundreds of fishermen and peasants.

By the favour of Almighty God, and under the enlightened rule of the Royal House of Britain, this Colony, small in area, has increased mightily in population and in wealth; and has drawn to itself from far and wide, not only the subjects of the King, but workers and traders of every nation.

Our population is estimated today at 660,000.

The University of Hongkong is affiliated to the Universities of Oxford and Cambridge, and grants Degrees in Medicine, in Engineering and in Arts.

The schools of the Colony number 733.

The revenue for 1920 was $14,689,671.00, of which over $2,700,000.00 was paid to the Imperial Treasury, as our contribution to the defence of the Empire.

The entrances and clearances of Merchant Ships totalled in the same year over forty million tons, a figure not surpassed by any other of the World's ports.

The total membership of the Hongkong General Chamber of Commerce is 191, composed of 135 British and 56 foreign firms.

There are 16 foreign and exchange Banks.

The Colony has 15 dry docks, including the Royal Naval Dock, and 10 slipways, all capable of taking ocean going vessels.

Twenty-one sea going vessels, of approximately 61,418 tons, were launched in 1921.

In conclusion, we pray that Your Royal Highness will be graciously pleased to convey to His Majesty the King, with our humble duty, our loyal greetings, and an expression of our gratitude that His Royal Son has been fit to stay his progress upon our shores.

Signed on behalf of His Majesty's subjects in Hongkong.

REGINALD E. STUBBS.

Chinese Address.

The Chinese address was next delivered. Both Chinese members of the Legislative Council were presented, and Mr. Lau Chu Pak delivered the address in Chinese.

The following is the translation:-

Your Royal Highness, lovingly bearing the Royal token, draws nigh from afar in Princely array.

Long have we looked up to Your Royal Highness and now we welcome you as plants the gentle rain.

With one accord we show forth our feeling of gladness and fashion our hymn of praise.

We who have found home and shelter in Hongkong are enriched by the quickening dew of your favour.

Now that for the first time the Heir Apparent has vouchsafed us the signal honour of his visit, 'tis meet that the streets and lanes resound with song; high and low the people dance with gladness; the willows, that droop their heads along the bank, joyfully brush the Royal Banner; the flowers that fill the earth with flying blossom, join in welcome to the Princely Palanquin.

Reverently we admire the surpassingly youthful wisdom wherewith nature has endowed Your Royal Highness. All the world looks up to Your preeminent virtue.

In the Palace of your Sire, your filial piety has ever been extolled: in your royal studies 'twas your delight to sit at the feat of learning.

In your heart you have cherished benevolence towards your people and a world-embracing love: in your actions you have displayed kindness to all men and a wide humanity.

Millions have enjoyed the fruits of your unselfish labour; the whole world has tasted the delights of your royal condescension. You reverence civil rule, and esteem martial glory.

You are well versed in the arts of war by sea and deeply skilled in the strategy of battle by land.

In the year 1914 when Great Britain raised her righteous army, and the titanic struggle began, Your Royal Highness entered in person the ranks of war and yourself donned the cuirass and the helmet.

You comforted your soldiers and shared their joys and hardships; You were present at your post and shirked not pain or danger. Till at the last you prevailed to sound the clarion of victory in the field, and to raise the paean of triumph o'er the vanquished.

Verily your merit o'ershadows the age, and your fame covers the world.

Scarce were the weapons of warfare sheathed ere you received the Royal Envoy's Staff.

You bore your floating banner to the lands that own your sway, and the enrolled nations felt their loyalty grow yet deeper. You went with gifts of polished jade to the countries that hold your friendship, and the glad bond of sworn faith was drawn yet closer.

And now once more you have driven forth from the Royal City, and stayed your steeds in the Fragrant Isle.

Her thickly clustered dwellings are blessed as by the beneficence of bright rain;

Her plants and trees and other living things are touched as by the virtue of creative spring.

Whithersoever your radiance, songs of praise rise with one accord; in the rhythmical movement of hands and feet, we all show forth our sincerity of heart.

Brighter the Sun, rounder the Moon, Your Highness reacheth to a fuller power.

We pray for unbounded blessings on Your Royal Highness, that we the people may receive never-failing peace.

Reverently with folded hands and bowed heads we offer our hymn of praise:-

Hail, Imperial England, thy might bath no peer

Within the realms that Ocean circles.

Great is thy call, Oh Heir to the Throne:

Thy ways are a pattern to all the World

Through the charm of thy person, thou makest known

Thy Sire's virtue to distant lands.

At the altar of covenant, thou hast thy place.

To this islet, set in a magic sea,

'Tis vouchsafed to welcome the Phoenix banner.

The heavens reveal a smiling face

And earth resounds with shouts of gladness.

May abundant blessings be showered down, and happiness descend upon all living things.

With uplifted faces we acknowledge thy sheltering care.

We are clothed with honour that shall not pass away.

The Consular Address.

The next address was presented by Mr. W. H. Gale (the American Consul General) on behalf of the Foreign Communities in Hongkong.

Mr. Gale, having been introduced, said:-

May it please your Royal Highness.

Sir,- My colleagues of the Consular Corps and I deeply appreciate the opportunity afforded us on this occasion to associate ourselves and our respective nationals in Hongkong with the welcome extended to Your Royal Highness by the subjects of His Majesty the King and by the Chinese citizens of this community.

We have watched with interest the stages of your Royal Highness journey to the Far East. Up to the present moment, Your Royal Highness has visited British territory, and has been singularly successful in drawing closer together different classes and races within the British Empire. After leaving Hongkong, Your Royal Highness will travel beyond the confines of that Empire, and will, We are convinced, be equally successful in strengthening the bonds of sympathy and understanding between the peoples of the world. In the solution of the problems now facing statesmen of all civilized countries, every nation is alike vitally concerned. And we recognise in Your Royal Highness one who will always uphold just dealings, between men and between nations.

In presenting this address, we desire to signify our profound respect for Your Royal Highness, and our realization of the beneficent influence exerted by His Majesty the King, through Your Royal Highness, and by Your Royal Highness directly, on the course of public events in these distraught and critical times. We venture to predict for Your Royal Highness the continued success of your present undertaking and complete accomplishment of the high objects of your mission.

The signatories to this address were:- William Holt Gale (Consul General for the United States of America, also representing Sweden), J. Gregano Fernandez (Acting Consul for Portugal), G. S. Lechner (Acting Consul General for the Netherlands, also representing Denmark), Paul Kremer (Acting Consul General for France, Acting Consul General for Belgium, Acting Consul for Spain and Cuba). Kiichi Gunji (Acting Consul General for Japan), C. P. Chater (Consul for Siam), Jose M. Alves (Consul for Brazil), P. V. Botelho (Consul for Nicaragua), J. P. Braga (Consul for Guatemala), L. Petrucci (Consul for Italy), Sverre Berg (Acting Consul for Norway).

Shanghai's Address

The last address was that from British communities in the Treaty Ports. Messrs. E. C. Pearce and E. F. Mackay both ascended the dais.

Mr. E. C. Pearce said:-

May it Please Your Royal Highness.

We, the undersigned loyal subjects of His Majesty King George representing the following National Societies and Associations of China:- China Association, Associated British Chambers of Commerce in China, St. Andrew's Society, St. Patrick's Society, Royal Society of St. George, St. David's Society, Canadian Association of China, United Services' Association Great War 1914-1918, and British Women's Association.

Beg most respectfully to approach Your Royal Highness with an address of welcome and to offer Your Royal Highness our heartfelt congratulations on your safe arrival in this distant outpost of the British Empire.

In asking Your Royal Highness to accept this address, we desire to express our keen appreciation of the gracious interest Your Royal Highness has always taken in all that concerns the welfare and happiness of the subjects of Your Royal Father whether, as here in Hongkong, they be resident within the British dominions, or dwell beyond its limits as is the case of the British Communities in China, and we feel that we are expressing the feelings of our fellow-countrymen throughout the vast Republic of China when we say that your visit will knit together more firmly than ever the ties that bind us to our King and our Mother Country.

It is a matter of sincere regret to all Britons in China and to the British Community in Shanghai in particular that it has found it impossible for Your Royal Highness to pay a visit to one or other of the Treaty Ports on your way to Japan but we are in some measure compensated for our loss by the fact that through the courtesy of the British Community of Hongkong, the British Communities of China have been permitted in the person of their representatives here to take part in your welcome to the Far East.

The Prince's Reply.

Having first asked all present to be seated and speaking in a clear voice, His Royal Highness said:-

Your Excellency and Gentlemen:-

It is a source of great pleasure to me to visit this far-famed outpost of the British Empire, and I am sincerely grateful to you for the words in which you welcome me here to-day.

The enterprise and perseverance of British pioneers in the last century, whose

foresight in establishing this Colony on what was then a barren and unhealthy island has brought its reward to succeeding generations. This splendid harbour, and rapidly growing docks, the houses and the roads that are being built in every direction, together with the beauty of scenery and cultivation that has taken the place of its former aridity bear witness to this and have made Hongkong one of the principal ports of the world.

During the Great War, now happily ended, Hongkong was able to carry on shipbuilding with unabated energy and was one of the first of the Colonies to introduce compulsory service.

I have learned with feelings of the greatest pride that well over 500 men left the Colony for Active Service, which in those days was about one-third of the British male population of the Colony.

Gentlemen of the Chinese Community of Hongkong:- The life of this Colony and its prosperity is interdependent on the British and Chinese dwellers on the island. Bordering on the ancient China, with its centuries of history and of experience. Hongkong forms a meeting place that should be of mutual advantage to both civilisations.

Great Britain has always displayed a lively and unflagging interest in the development of China and in all that appertains to its prosperity; and your zeal in the promotion of the Colony's welfare, combined with the cordial friendship that has always existed between the races in Hongkong, augurs well for its future advancement.

Gentlemen of the Foreign Communities Resident in Hongkong:- I cordially appreciate the welcome which you, in common with His Majesty's subjects, have accorded me.

The sentiments to which you give expression are indeed gratifying, emanating as they do from the representatives of other nations whose interest in the progress of the Colony is as active as our own, and who are materially helping, to make Hongkong one of the greatest international trading centres in the East.

I understand that during the war valuable service to the Colony, in the shape of special constabulary and reserves, was rendered, not only by large numbers of the Chinese community, but by many others of foreign nationality. I feel sure that the cordial relationships so happily existing will secure your co-operation at all times in the mutual defence of the Colony's interests.

Gentlemen Representing the British Communities in the Treaty Ports of China:- I thank you for the terms of your address and sincerely share your regret that the limited time at my disposal has made it impossible for me to visit any of the Treaty Ports.

I would ask you to convey this expression of my regret to the British communities in China, with my heartfelt wishes for their prosperity.

It affords me much pleasure to receive your assurance that my visit here will bind the link connecting you with the Throne and the Mother Country.

Your Excellency and Gentlemen:- In thanking you once again for your welcome, let me assure you that I will most certainly convey to my father, The King, your message of loyalty and devotion and shall look forward to the opportunity of telling His Majesty of my first visit to your magnificent port.

The conclusion of the Prince's reply was the signal for a demonstration of great enthusiasm. As the Prince walked down the centre aisle he was cheered to the echo.

As he left the Pavilion the Prince was given a rousing sendoff, and all along the line of his route to Government House he was heartily cheered.

The Prince was preceded by H.E. the Governor, who rode in a black chair with trappings of scarlet, and fitted with a black canopy, borne on the shoulders of eight coolies in similar uniforms to those worn by the Prince. Behind His Royal Highness's chair walked Capt. Neville, Royal Marines, as A.D.C. Following in three four-bearer chairs were members of the Prince's staff.

AT GOVERNMENT HOUSE

Inspection of Scouts.

Arriving at Government House, His Highness inspected the Boy Scouts and Girl Guides, who were under the command of the Rev. G. T. Waldegrave, M.A. Here was drawn up a guard of honour from the Hongkong Volunteer Defence Corps, the officers in charge being 2nd Lieut. A. Murdoch and 2nd Lieut. T. W. Hill, M.C. The Pipe Band of the Scottish Company which was in position on the left of the Guard of Honour, played as the Prince carried out an inspection. As the Prince passed on to the lawn only the Wolf Cubs (junior scouts) and Brownies (junior guides) were visible. They were lined up in horseshoe formation on the lawn, facing the entrance to the grounds. The Boy Scouts and Girl Guides were concealed in the trees behind.

As His Royal Highness appeared, the Cubs and Brownies gave a grand howl, and at the same time the colour bearers, standing at intervals behind the horseshoe, dipped their standards. The colours were raised and a whistle sounded. Immediately the scouts and guides rushed from their places of concealment and, in a manner which speaks well for their training, formed up in patrols beside their respective troop colours, standing at the "alert." Another whistle was sounded and then, with one accord, the whole body, raising their staves in their right hands above their heads, gave one rousing Chinese expression of welcome, "Kung Ying."

After inspecting the troops, His Royal Highness presented the Gilt Cross to Patrol Leader Lo Kwok-chung, 7th. Hongkong Troop, for life saving, an account of which heroic deed has already appeared in these columns.

Prince's Congratulations

His Royal Highness, in a short speech to the assembled children said:- It is a very great pleasure to me to have this opportunity of seeing you this morning. As I realise that you have only been started a little over a year, I congratulate you on your very smart appearance. I wish you every possible success here in Hongkong and I hope more boys and girls will follow your example and join up.

Standing to the "salute," the National Anthem was lustily sung. Hearty cheers for the Prince were given and His Royal Highness left to take tiffin at Government House. The troops formed up and then marched away.

The following troops participated:- First Hongkong Troop (St. Joseph's College); Scoutmaster L. Gutierrez; Second Hongkong Troop (St. Andrews, Kowloon), Scoutmaster A. M. Farrell; Third Hongkong Troop (First Wanchai), Scoutmaster A. Kirk; Fourth Hongkong Troop (Murray), Scoutmaster A. White; Fifth Hongkong Troop and river scouts, Scoutmaster K. W. Barney; Sixth Hongkong Troop (Ellis Kadoorie School), Scoutmaster Lam; Seventh Hongkong Troop (Saiyingpun School), Scoutmaster Y. T. Leung; Eighth Hongkong Troop (Wesleyan), Scoutmaster T. K. Chak.

Wolf Cubs:- Third Hongkong Pack, Cubmistress Miss Williams; Fourth Hongkong Pack, Cubmaster O'Brien; Fifth Hongkong Pack, Cubmaster Y. Fenton.

Girl Guides:- First Hongkong Troop, Capt. Mrs. Reed, Asst Capt. Miss Warren; Second Hongkong Troop, Capt. Miss Price, Asst Capt. Miss Shea; First Wanchai Troop, Capt. Mrs. Perri; First Kowloon Troop, Capt. Mrs. Trowbridge; Second Kowloon Troop, Capt. Miss Irving; Peak Brownie Troop, Brown Owl, Miss H. Irving.

The Ex-Servicemen's Reception.

The reception for ex-Service men held this afternoon was successful in every way. The number of men invited to be present was about 500 and among them were those who had seen service on many fronts. Not only ex-service men in civilian life here but also many members of the Police Force, over 50 members of the Mercantile Marine, Indian police from Macao and Hongkong, ex-Service men from Canton and French ex-Servicemen were present. The reception was held at Government House.

Owing to the rain, numbers of ex-service men had assembled at the Pavilion, thinking that the reception would be held there. Shortly before half-past two, however, a message came down to say that His Royal Highness would meet them at Government House. On arrival there, the men filed through Government House, entering at the front door and leaving by the rear entrance. On the verandah facing the harbour, stood the Prince, who shook hands with every one present, stopping many of them for a short chat about their war service.

When all the ex-Service men had passed through the house on to the lawn at the rear, the Prince came out to speak, but the cheering was so deafening that for some minutes it was impossible for him to do so. The customary three cheers were given, but the usual one "tiger" was not sufficient to show their enthusiasm. Again and again "tigers" were given but at last the cheering stopped and His Royal Highness was able to speak.

The Prince said:- "Thank you very much, gentlemen. I am very glad to have this opportunity of seeing you this afternoon. It is very kind of you to come. I am sorry I am not going to see the ex-Service men of Shanghai and in other parts of China; perhaps you will give them a message from me. I wish everybody out here the best of luck."

The Prince was cheered to the echo after this short man-to-man address.

A His Royal Highness turned to go back to the house, the large crowd on the lawn sang "For He's a Jolly Good Fellow," and no one could say enthusiasm was lacking.

Source:

1. Page 1, Page 7, "Hongkong Telegraph", Thursday, 6th April, 11th Year of the Republic of China

   • 10th Day, 3rd Lunar Month, Ren-xu Year

   • Thursday, 6th April, 1922 Common Era