Mr. Th. Pyke for the general community, by Mr. D. Ruttunjee for the Parsee merchants, and by Chinese deputies of the native merchants and Government schoolmasters, whose gorgeous uniforms and elaborate kotows gave to the scene a picturesque Oriental colouring. In the evening the Duke was present at a banquet given at Government House and followed by a reception held by Lady MacDonnell. On 3rd November, the Duke drove out with the Governor to the Happy Valley, and attended in the evening the first performances given, at the new City Hall Theatre, by the Amateur Dramatic Corps and by the members of the German Club Concordia. A grand ball held next day at the City Hall, and a magnificent performance given, on the following day, by Chinese actors at the Tunghing theatre and followed by a Chinese dinner, concluded the first part of the programme. Whilst the Duke paid a visit to Canton and Macao, by means of the river-steamer Kinshan which the H. C. & M. Steamboat Company had placed at his disposal, the Chinese festivities and dragon processions continued in Hongkong. After his return (9th November), the Duke visited Major-General Whitfield who was laid up with sickness, dined with Colonel Milles and the officers of the 75th Regiment and subsequently with Commodore Jones. He further attended two more banquets and public receptions at Government House, received two additional addresses (by the clergy and the masters of the mercantile marine), attended a cricket match, took part in a game at bowls at the Oriental Bowling Alley, acted as conductor of the orchestra at a theatrical performance given by the officers of the Galatea in the City Hall Theatre, entertained the Governor and Lady MacDonnell on board his ship, and finally laid, immediately before his departure, the first stone of the new chancel of St. John's Cathedral (November, 16th). The Duke's courtesy and gracious bearing on every occasion won for him the greatest popularity, whilst the success which attended all the festivities given in his honour was a source of much pride and pleasure to the whole community.
Among the many signs of healthy social life and progress manifested during this period stands out prominently the
