A very pleasing little ceremony took p'ace on Monday at the Central Hotel, when Donovan, the Acting Chinese was presented with a handsomely designed and mounted silver howl by the members of the Imperial Mr, Donovan, who ice for over twenty which time be will return resume his Jabours made Ube presentation on behale of the service employes, of whom there were a good number pr Both fare Chinese, and said that the testimonial represented the outcome of a movement in which practically all the mem bers of the service had taken part.
In replying, Mr. Donovan sincerely thanked the members for the honour they had dor Tt had been his desire, he suid, ever sines he became connected with the Chinese postal service to make that service a success and improve the staff in every way. Whether his efforts had been successful or not he trusted the service would ever be distinguished, as it bad been in the past, for the efficiency of its officials and that consideration would be paid to them for their great responsibilities. Proceeding, Mr. Donovan expressed regret at the action of a member of the Customs—for he was sure it could not have been an T. P.O. man—in attempting to criticise the Tnspector-General. He had known Sir Robert Hart for nearly thirty years, and it was his private opinion that there was no man of any nationality who would have occupied the position that he (Sir Robert Hart) hat occupied with half the success, or who would have done half so much for his stall. Sir Robert Hact was not infallible, but the speaker trusted vel that in the future as in the p: bers of the Chinese Impzrial Services would she: to their distinguished chief tha' lo ty and that faithfulness which vic demanded, and which had hevto been accorded him, In coneludhis remarks, Mr. Donovan spoke of the eflicicney of the 1. P.O, ollicial, he had no hesitation saying in were Cart tu any in the world, During his term of service he had revived many ackuowledsments from people of itt nutionalitres testifying to. that which he hoped would always led with success and prosperity. (Aprlause.)
The address accom) anying the presentation reads as follows Kay. In view of your parture for slond on a wall: desire appreciation of 1 effirrts on thole behalf.
"We sincerely regret that you are vacat~ ing the position which your many years of practical experience render you so well qualifica to fill with honour to yourself and benefit to ti and we feel Ueat your Ceparture loss be. Us. Ta presenting yo we b the you will accept it ay a slight ut esteem and regard, and that you will allow us to express to you our good wishes for a pleasint holiday."
Text read from the printed page and cleaned; old type leaves the occasional error.