121
CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
(Continuation).
Amei (Chairman) Li Sing, Tam Tsze-kong, Liu Tsze-shan, Loo Cho-shan, Tang Yik-man, Un Kwok-hee, Loo Choo-tin, Yang Shin-Po, Chow Tung-shang, Chau Yu-chin, Ip Oi-shan, Kan Hong-tak, Wwoo Fai-shan, Tong Wan-chin, Un Lai-chuen, Chan Chok-ping, Chan Chew-nan, Choy Taze-chong, Leong Ho-tin, Ip Fat-chee, Lai Shing-tung, Ip Kwong-chai, Shi Hon-hing, and many others.
Mr. Chow Tung-shang is alive to-day, and although well over eighty years of age, is still a member of the Executive Committee of the Chamber.
The majority of those gentlemen, who attended the opening ceremony, were dressed in official Chinese robes, and were led by Colonel Chun, military Commandant of Chinese Kowloon. Two Tamen attaches, especially engaged from Canton for the occasion, acted as Masters of Ceremonies.
At 10.30, Mr. Ho Amei, the energetic and public-spirited Chairman of the Chamber, entered the main doorway gorgeously attired in his richly embroidered official robes. His arrival was heralded by the clanging of gongs and the firing of innumerable crackers.
As soon as he entered the assembly hall, the doors were closed and Colonel Chun, the highest official present upon whom devolved the onerous duties of declaring the institution open, took up his position before a small altar. The members of the Chamber were in official costume, forming two rows in the rear, considerable space separating each line. Then Colonel Chun turned towards the main entrance-way and by the command of the Directors of Ceremonies, the doors were open wide. The Colonel then turned towards the altar and placed thereon three lighted joss-sticks and later, while kneeling reverently, the consecrated wine, rice, and candles. Then the assembled officials prostrated themselves thrice, the herald at the same time invoking the protection of the gods represented.
This over, with greater ceremony and even more solemnity, the presiding officer approached the large altar in which rested the tablet which had been daily dedicated to the jeng shui of the building, and with great ceremony first presented the insignia of rank - buttons, feather, robes, etc. - then red drapery was passed over the altar, and finally the usual reverential offerings of wine, rice, and lighted candles were presented. The Colonel prostrated himself thrice before each offering was made to the gods. Immediately afterwards, an attendant, the seventh son of Mr. Li Sing, read, in a solemn manner, the notice of the formal opening and dedication of the building for the special business of a Chamber of Commerce. This was followed by a great explosion of crackers and bombs.
After this, the Chief Director of Ceremonies, still repeating the Chinese liturgy, again approached the large altar, prostrated himself, and invoked the blessings and ever-lasting protection of the gods, after which he ignited certain offerings which were at once burned outside the main entrance amidst a deafening roar of No. 1 fireworks. This concluded the opening ceremonies.