One of the most spontaneous and genuine informal ceremonies that has even been witnessed in Shanghai was that which took place on Friday afternoon (3rd) when a valeditory address was presented to Mr. and Mrs. Ewen Cameron on their departure for home. The large and magnificent drawing-room of the Bank was thronged to overflowing by the friends of the popular manager of our great local institution, and his equally esteemed wife, and never perhaps in the history of Shanghai has there been such a general expression of regret at the disappearance of two of its residents from the everyday life of the Settlement. Mr. John' Macgregor read the address on behalf of the committee, introducing a touching and eloquent little preface which correctly expressed the sentiments of the many friends whom Mr. and Mrs. Cameron leave behind them, Mr. Macorecor said—When it came to be realised that you and Mrs, Cameron were about leaving Shanghai for good, a general feeling impressed itself upon our minds that something more than an ordinary good-bye should be said and dune to evince to you the feeling which your many friends in this community entertained for you both—feelings of friendship and esteem. (Applause), Tt was felt that we were about to sustain no common loss. (Hear, hear). Several forms of demonstration were talked over and considered amongst your friends from time to time. Amongst others the time-honoured dinner was mentioned. Some people suggested a ball, others a dramatic entertainment, but it has finally resolved itself into this address, which I shall presently have the honour to read, accompanied by a Piece of plate, and we hope this form will be agreeable to you. The lists were circulated privately amongst your friends, and the Committee believing the expressions of respect and esteem which are contained in this address would be more agreeable to you than any large amount invested in plate, it was resolved that only a very small' amount should be received from any one person, which is a fact I am persuaded that will meet your hearty approval. It is possible indeed that many of your friends, from the quiet way in which the mat: ter was conducted, have not had the opportunity of subscribing, or of putting their names on the list. If they have been overlooked, on behalf of the Committee I make them our most hearty apology. The duties of your office, Mr. cameron, no doubt prevented you' from taking a very prominent or active part in the public affairs of this settlement, but your counsel and advice have been always at the disposal of those who sought them Applause, Calm in prosperity and not depressed in adverse times your large experience of men and affairs nade this advice always valuable to those who consulted you. The Bank, as it ought to do, of course, claimed your first care, and I know that you have always subordinated the legitimate desires of yourself and your family to further its prosperity. The respect and esteem which is entertained for you by your directors and the shareholders of the Bank, as well as its constituents, furnish an excellent example for your staff to follow out in life. I think with these few introductory remarks I will now read the address, which, however, has not yet received the signatures of every one who has signed the separate lists, but it will be completed and handed to you (applause).
Macgregor then read the address which was as follows 'S1m,—On the eve of your departure from Shanghai with the intention of permanently residing at home, we desire not only to congratulate you on this happy and well-deserved femination of your many years of labour in the East, but also to express the very high appreciation entertained for you personally by your fellow-residents, as Well as the regret felt by them at your departure.
When you arrived here in 1873 "The Bank," of which you then assumed the management, had a comparatively limited influence. You leave it to-day the great financial institution of Shanghai and the contre of a widely-extended system of Banking facilities in the North of China. This unexampled success is, we believe, largely due to your zealous care of its interests, and to the never failing courtes extended to everyone who has had business relations with it, We may say, indeed, that by your exertions and under your guidance it has greatly contributed to the development of the trade of the port and to the prosperity of the community, a work of which you may be justly proud.
To Mrs, Cameron, in an address of this kind, we can give but a very inadequate expression of the admiration and friendship felt for her by all who have had the pleasure of Knowing her. Her graceful hospitality, her sympathy, and her kindness of heart will be a recollection that will long survive, and her absence will create a serious void in our social life, but we all hope that it may be our good fortune at some future day to rene iendshi and acquaintance in your We think we shall best consult your own feelings if we forbear to dwell upon your many acts of private beneficence, but it is well-known that your hands have been always ready to respond to the generous promptings of your heart.
Your friends, and they comprise the whole community, being anxious that you and Mrs. Cameron should carry away with you some enduring memorial of their regard, desire your acceptance of a service of silver plate, hoping that it will be to you pleasing remembrance of your lon; residence amongst them, and a token their fervent wishes for a long and happy life for you and your fai It remains for us now only to wish you a pleasant voyage, and it is with sad reluctance that we shall all bid you
Text read from the printed page and cleaned; old type leaves the occasional error.