2-798-566 - The Print Collector/Heritage Images

Grand Banquet to Sir H. Pottinger, at Manchester, 1844. Dinner at Manchester Town Hall in honour of British colonial administrator Lieutenant-General Sir Henry Pottinger, who became the first Governor of Hong Kong. 'After the usual toasts, the Mayor proposed the health of Sir Henry Pottinger, eulogising in the strongest language his character, and his great services in bringing about the treaty with China, which promised to be of such immense benefit to Great Britain'. Sir Henry said: 'I calculate, from my own personal observation, that the immediate effect of the treaty will be to bring us into direct contact with not less than 120 to 150 millions of people'. From "Illustrated London News", 1844, Vol V.