Workmen unearthed the foundation stone of the original building which had been demolished in 1954. A bronze plaque in florid characters indicated the foundation stone was laid on _?_th day of February, 1847 by Governor Davis with Major Aldrich, Commanding Royal Engineer in attendance.
Hong Kong Annual Report 1954 provides an update to the date. It mentions that the circular bronze plaque covered a metal canister containing five Victorian coins (1843-1844). The inscription records that the foundation stone was laid on the 24th day of February 1847 by Sir John Francis Davis, Bart., the "Governor and Commander in Chief, Hong Kong and Vice Admiral of the same, Her Majesty's Plenipotentiary in China". The cost of the building "(being intended for Government offices)" was estimated at £14,300. 3s. 10d.
Comments
Colonial Secretariat
I question whether there were "Central Government Offices" in 1910. This building was more likely referred to as the "Colonial Secretariat".
Re: Colonial Secretariat Building Foundation Stone
Workmen unearthed the foundation stone of the original building which had been demolished in 1954. A bronze plaque in florid characters indicated the foundation stone was laid on _?_th day of February, 1847 by Governor Davis with Major Aldrich, Commanding Royal Engineer in attendance.
China Mail 27 August 1954 refers.
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Hong Kong Annual Report 1954 provides an update to the date. It mentions that the circular bronze plaque covered a metal canister containing five Victorian coins (1843-1844). The inscription records that the foundation stone was laid on the 24th day of February 1847 by Sir John Francis Davis, Bart., the "Governor and Commander in Chief, Hong Kong and Vice Admiral of the same, Her Majesty's Plenipotentiary in China". The cost of the building "(being intended for Government offices)" was estimated at £14,300. 3s. 10d.