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518 performances between 26th January, 1872, and 19th February, 1877. The District Grand Lodge of Freemasons invaded, in 1875, the Cathedral when a Masonic sermon was preached (December 23, 1875) by the Grand Chaplain, the Rev. H. H. Kidd. The arrival of the Flying Squadron (April 7, 1876), consisting of four frigates, gave a new zest to social life in 1876. The latter year is also distinguished: by the first loan exhibition of works of art, held in the City Hall (July 18, 1876). This exhibition became eventually the parent of the Sketching Club.

In addition to the foregoing general description of the progress made by the Colony during Sir A. Kennedy's administration, the following particulars have yet to be mentioned. The sphere of Hongkong's commercial operations was considerably extended during this period by the opening up of new countries and ports and by the starting of new lines of communication. The famous expedition, under M. Dupuis and M. Millot, which eventually led to the opening of Tungking (the North-east of Annam) to foreign trade, started from Hongkong on 25th October, 1872. The direct object of the expedition was to convey, on behalf of the Chinese Government, munitions of war to the Chinese army operating in the South of Yunnan against the Mahomedan rebels. But the personal aim of M. Dupuis was to demonstrate, in the eyes of France, the importance of northern Annam as possessing, in the Red River, an artery of trade by which the commerce of South-western China might conveniently be tapped and directed to the Gulf of Touquin. The expedition returned to Hongkong (July 2, 1873), having successfully pushed its way by the Red River route from Hanoi by way of Laokai to Talifoo in Yunnan. That the Hongkong Chamber of Commerce also looked to the opening up of South-western China is evidenced by the above mentioned exploration of the commercial capabilities of the West River, undertaken by Mr. Moss in 1872. Quite a number of ports in different countries were opened to Hongkong commerce during this period. The commercial ports of Legasbi in Albay (Island of Luzon) and Tacloban (Island of Leyte) were opened by the Spaniards (December 3, 1873) and so also the