Hongkong, 4th January.
The New Year has been ushered in quietly enough, and the holidays have been very fully observed there being no stress of business, and a disposition on the part of the community to take a well-earned rest.
The weather continues fine and dry, and the streams are slowly shrinking and the reservoirs gradually dwindling. Meantime the water supply is being carefully husbanded, and it is hoped that it will serve until the early rains of spring come.
Presentation of an Address by Chinese to H.E. Sir Henry A. Blake.
Some of the leading men amongst the Chinese community met at Government House on the 2nd inst. to present an address to H.E. the Governor, on the eve of his departure for a three months' holiday, to-day, the 4th inst. 'The Hon. Dr. Ho' Kai presented the address, which (naturally to such a pro-Chinese Governor who, as the address stated, had completely won' the "admiration, esteem and confidence of Chinese i agent, praise and high-falutin', setting forth all the benefits which had accrued to the Chinese during his beneficent administration.
Dr. Ho Kai presented to His Excellency an album containing a copy of the address, stating that the original was being embroidered in silk at Canton "ud when finished would be for dress is bound in bloc with silver corners and centre, upon which is the inseripti Presented to Sir H. A. Blake, G.C.M.G., by the Chinese community of Hongkong and others.
After the Governor's reply the Chinese gave three cheers, and three more and a tiger for Lady Blake, and after partake of light refreshments, and being photographed, they dispersed.
is Excellency embarked this morning at Blake Pier for the English mail steamer Valetta. There was a large assemblage of officials and of civilians to see him off. Two companies of the Royal Welsh Fusiliers formed the guard of honour and with the band of the regiment were drawn up at the pier. The Chinese were in great force, and H.E. had a good send-off.
Subsequently a meeting of the Legislative Council was held, at which General Sir William Gascoigne was sworn in as atticer administering the Government. The gallant General is a great favourite with the community, who would be viad to see him installed for longer term.
New Year's Eve at the Docks.
The staff of the Kowloon Docks gave their annual dance on New Year's Eve in the new drawing loft—a very fine and spacious hall, which was" tastefully decorated for the occasion. The company numbered about 260, and th it the dancing up till the early hours ut New Year's Day.—An excellent supper was provided, after which Mr. W. B. Dixon, the new manager, made a short speech and declared the new reading-room open. Daneing was resumed to the excellent music provided by the string band of the Royal Welsh Fusiliers.
Text read from the printed page and cleaned; old type leaves the occasional error.