LITERARY SOCIETIES
(Contd.)
679
Before the general section, Mr. J. J. Francis, Q.C. spoke on "What ices Hongkong want?" (March 23); Mr. H. E. Pollock spoke on "Early Lessons" (November 10) Capt. Goodrich, U.S.N., spoke on "The Discovery of America before the time of Columbus" (December 8), and His Excellency the Governor, Sir William Robinson delivered a lecture on "Athletics in the Tropics" (January 26). A number of impromptu debates and general discussions were also conducted.
When Mr. Jeffrey left Hongkong in 1894, Messrs. Frank Browne and W. St. John Hancock were elected joint secretaries, and Mr. H. E. Pollock became treasurer.
H.E. the Governor, Sir William Robinson was elected President of the Odd Volumes in 1894 and was re-elected in 1895. During these years, rapid progress was made. Lectures, discussions, impromptu debates, social evenings sent the membership soaring.
Messrs. Browne and Hancock in 1895 resigned the joint secretaryship and Mr. W. H. Purcell took over the position.
During 1895 the following delivered lectures: The Hon. Mr. Justice E. J. Ackroyd, Hon. Mr. F. H. May, Messrs. W. E. Crow, J. L. Flummer, M.A., E. F. Skertchly, Frank Browne F.C.S., A. W. E. O'Dyer, T. C. Cowne (London), Dr. E. J. Eitel and Mrs. J. Bishop.
Prior to 1896 a library was opened and was well supported by members until 1910, when it was handed over to the City Hall Library and became the nucleus of the lending collection of that library.
When Mr. Purcell resigned the Secretaryship, the work was taken over by Mr. Pollock, and it is evident from the records that the comparatively long life of the Odd Volumes was due to his enthusiasm.
Throughout its life, the Society had the unqualified support and assistance of every Governor. Sir William Robinson was, perhaps, its keenest supporter. He delivered a number of lectures, all of which were well received.
In the old minute books, I also find reference to a photographic section. The first meeting of this section was held on May 10. Members brought prints, lantern slides and projection apparatus. According to the newspaper reports, "a most enjoyable evening was spent".
Records show that the Odd Volumes made sound progress until 1910. About this time it came to an end, not because of lack of enthusiasm, but because a similar institution had been started by the Union Church, Kennedy Road. The death, one might say, was a lingering one, for a few lectures were arranged in 1911 and 1912.
It is worthy of note that Sir Henry Pollock's interest in all things literary has never waned and he is to-day a leading figure in the present English Association. His Excellency the Governor, Sir William Peel, has also followed in the footsteps of his predecessors in office, by extending his patronage and active assistance in furthering the interests of literary associations in Hongkong.