This evening at 6 pin. the British community of Harbin held a recep-fon "at the Harbin Club to which all: the leading officials both Mancha and Japanese were Invited, as well fas representatives of all, the leading. organizations of the city, religious bodies, chambers of commerce, bank managers, the Consular Body, members of the press of all nationalities, and private friends of the British hosts." The function was probably the largest of its kind that has ever been held by the British community fas a whole, the rooms of the club being crowded. The reception com mittee had their hands full to tend to all the guests as they arrived and pilot them through to the top of the large hall where the acting Consul-General and the Consuls were ready to receive them ant Acknowledge congratulations, At 630 pan, Mr. E.G. Jamieson made a short speech, at the end of which he asked all present to join in Hangchow, May 7.
Hangchow residents joined the "Widespread family" of the British Empire in the commemoration and rejoicing for the King's Silver Jubilee, There was a splendid tendance at the Thanksgiving Service, on Sunday afternoon, held. in the Hospital Chapel. The Rev. W. R. 0. Taylor, led the form of prayer and thanksgiving, the same as authorized for the great festival held at St. Paul's Cathedral, London. Two short addresses were iven on this occasion, one by the Rev. C. Fair~ ough and a very impressive message, based on the text—"The heart of the king isin Jehovah's hand." was. delivered by the Rev. G. Bailey of the China Inland Mission, Kinhva.
Thanksgiving Day saw a large com-any en fete i the gardens of the Fesidence of Mr. C. Pearson, Yuh Wong Road. The weather was cool and fine and there was a magnificence in the variety of flowers and a symphony of colour which blended with the fags of all nations. Not for a decade has the Union Jack been 50 freely unfurled to the breeze, and. is prominence made one feel truly. proud to be a citizen of the great, Empire it represents. The official of Hangchow was well represented and visitors of various nationalities joined in this moving display of profound sympathy and good. friendship. Mr. Pearson called the assembly to order for. the Royal Toast, and in a neat and appropriate little speech we were reminded of the King's influence, example and courage, and how, during the twenty~ Ave years of his reign he captained the Ship of State through great tempests. In his pursuit of human happiness, and freedom, and the fostering of the living force of international. good will and friendship, George V will be given a great place in history. The whole proceedings Was a grand panorama of rejoicing, and before dispersing the company fave three hearty cheers for the King. The British residents of Hangchow joined in a cablegram of coneatulation to London, Listening-in to London lustily by the British section, many forelgmers joining in. On the departure of the foreign guests, the British community remained to toast each other and in other ways commemorate the Silver Jubilee of their King. At the Club and in many private houses radio sets were all In readiness to hear the King speak and as the weather was clear, his Words came through very clearly and distinctly.
The foreign banks were all closed for the day and the houses of all the British residents were beflazxed and in some cases illuminated, the event being hailed as one in which every. loyal British subject should take his part.
The large building of the Hongkong and "Shanghai Banking Corporation was brilliantly 1it up. The stores of Tsehurin & Ca,, Doulatrain Sons and the "Harbin Observer" had their windows specially decorated with Union Jacks and the latest. portrait of the King and Queen: During the Whole of yesterday and to-day British residents were congratulated by their ftlends of other nationalities, bing constantly stopped while walking along the street by even slight acquaintances who desired to add their wishes on an occasion which being celebrated' throughout the During the evening, through the courtesy of Mr. Pearson, a number of friends had the privilege of listen-ug-in to the great event being enacted in the City of London. It was a most interesting experience to follow the progress of the historic procession right to the steps of St. Poul's Cathedral. The fanfare of trumpets was distinctly heard and it was a thrill to join the throng in singing the National Anthem.
The following evening, the cole-rations were continued through the kindness of Mr. and Mrs. 7. F.
Waters, of Zahkou. Their home on the ill top, overlooking the Chientang River, was @ blaze of iumination and a' flood light was projected on the Union Jack. The entrance hall was festooned with flowers, and shove the porch, coloured electric Vights figured out the years, 1910-1935.
'A. sumptuous buffet supper was prepared and Hangchow Britons met together just as a happy family party. Later in the evening the London broadcast programme came through the air when the culminating point interest was the address of tne King, when he gave thanks to his subjects. What a note of simplicity, piety and hope pervaded the whole. To some of those assembled the finest passage in the speech was—'
Text read from the printed page and cleaned; old type leaves the occasional error.