On the whole the celebration of the Coronation in Hongkong was successful; would have been quite so had not the "useful trouble of the rain" marred the illuminations. These had never been so general nor on so large a scale before, and, certainly, looking upon the city and harbour from the Peak it was like a glimpse into fairyland. The harbour itself was picture not soon to be forgotten. Most of the ships were decorated. "H. M.S. Tamar with " God Save the King" in large letters of fire between the masts, and the Japanese cruiser Chitose, outlined with electric lights, were conspicuous, The entire centre of the town was one mass of light and colour, in most instances the front of the bull ing being entirely covered with decorations. It would be invidious to mention names, as all had done their utmost, and their endeavours were crowned by success. Shortly after nine, when everything was at its hest, down came torrents of rain, and in nished, and only amps were left ing into the sod e: sand on the shoulders of drenched: po lestrians hurrying along to find shelter. The fireworks were 1 spoilt, and the yosformance of regimental bands in the cricket geinnd had to be abandoner. The Hongkong Club threw wide its doors to "sisters, cousins, and aunts" of its members, and_ these, when there was nothing to look at outside, consoled themselves by dancing and supper.
In the morning at 10.15 a.m. there ug of the Legislative m_of congratulate which a crowded congregation attended. The choir were in full force and rendered the special music in a most efficient manner. The organ was supplemented by in-struments and drums frum the band of the Royal Welsh Fusiliers; and Mr. A. G. Ward, who presided at the organ, introduced' two compositions of his own, a hymn and intivit, into the musical portion of the service. A special service was als held at the Roman Catholic Cathedral, and wore likewise conducted by the Parsee community and the Jews.
Reception at Government House.
the Acting Governor and Lady held a reception at Government House on Monday evening, the 11th inst., which was a brilliant conclusion to the ion celebration. The house was inated with a most tasteful and sign in electric light.—Amonyst the many attractions arranged for the pleasure of the numerous guests was a and tattoo by the native regiments which, th its fanfares of trumpets, bugle calls, ote., was most stirring. The bands of the Royal Welsh Fusiliers, drums and fifes, Hongkong Regiment. ditto, 10th Bombay Infantry drum and fife band, H.K.S.B.R.A. bagpipes, Hongkong Volunteer drums and fifes, trampoters R. G. Artillery, LK, and S. Battalion; 309 torchbearers of Native Regiments anda firing party from Royal Welsh Fusiliers took part in the Later the different bands were ed about the grounds and played ions during the rest of the evening.
of the heat many went in for Refreshments and supper were vided after the lavish and generous nably adopted by the popular host and hostess.
Text read from the printed page and cleaned; old type leaves the occasional error.