NEWSPAPERS (Contd.)
THE COLONY'S OLD MAGAZINES
पर 789
A series of articles has already sketched the origin and growth of the newspaper press in Hong Kong, and it is intended now to discuss some of the earlier efforts of an entirely literary character. Several magazines appeared within the first thirty years of the Colony's existence, but unfortunately few of them have been preserved, making it difficult to trace their beginnings or demise (they were all short-lived). I shall endeavour to rescue some of these old magazines from the oblivion into which the passing years have plunged them, but it is not claimed that my tale will be in any way complete. If readers know of facts I am not possessed of, let them come forward and declare so: all fresh information on the subject will be welcomed.
First mention must be given to the China Punch, which was published at irregular intervals from May 28, 1867, to November 22, 1876. An old chronicle states that Mr. W. N. Middleton, supported by other talented local artists (Messrs. J. B. Coughtrie and E. Beart) "humorously but most effectively criticised and caricatured, to the intense amusement of the community, local politics and manners, celebrities and oddities by means of the China Punch".
Judging from copies which remain to-day, the claim was well founded. This humorous journal was based, of course, on the famous London weekly of the same name. The front page (certainly of the later issues) had a drawing which cleverly incorporated a Chinese motif, Punch being in Mandarin costume and his dog a typical China porcelain animal. The name of the journal is made up of writhing dragons strung on a bamboo drying-pole, a bamboo design also forming the border.
The journal was produced at the China Mail offices, and was sold at fifty cents. There was a break between May 1868 and November 1872; but the publication reappeared on November 5, 1872, lasting another four years. Its appearance was irregular, but must have been looked forward to eagerly by the community: there were full-page cartoons of local celebrities and of Government idiosyncrasies, and some of the sarcasm must have scored heavily. A cartoon of Mr. Phineas Ryrie which appeared in the China Punch has been reproduced in this Old Hong Kong series (see 18-12-33).
Mr. Middleton's departure meant the end of a truly brilliant production. In the last issue, dated November 22, 1876, it is stated:
"In consequence of the departure of Mr. W. N. Middleton, the registered proprietor of this spasmodic periodical, its publication will cease with the publication of the present number. This fact will doubtless be generally regretted, but it would be impossible to find in any successor the elements which combined in Mr. Middleton to render harmless, and to a very large extent, inoffensive, the circulation of such perilous matter as often filled these pages. A small community is little more than a large family, and our Hong Kong community is a singularly happy and harmonious brotherhood. Naturally, differences of opinion arise, anger may be shown, mistakes be made in conduct or calculations, with consequences serious or grotesque; in short, disturbing influences operate in our midst even as in the bosom of most united families. But variance seldom leads to discord or division to feud. Had it been otherwise Punch would have had a much livelier existence; he languished for want of material. He could no more
'Shoot folly as it flies,
And catch the manners living as they rise,