CITY HALL 1 - 2.
This controversy was referred to at a meeting of shareholders and subscribers to the City Hall held on March 26, 1919, when the idea was put forward that the building should be replaced by a new one in the form of a War Memorial. The scheme, however, fell through.
The building has not been without its legends, and the best-known one is that the unicorn on the coat of arms on the facade used at one time to make nocturnal excursions abroad. The chain around it is supposed to keep it in check. Can you tell a better one?
In the first article on Old Hongkong (see 17/6/33) brief reference was made to the old Theatre Royal. The following reference to the origin of the Theatre was published in 1913, when an agitation was set on foot to improve the City Hall:
"It was at the close of the year 1861 that the erection of a Theatre and Assembly Room was discussed and as a consequence, a committee of residents was appointed to make preliminary arrangements.
Plans for the projected buildings were exhibited in fall of 1862. The name "City Hall" and the combination in one building of a theatre, library and suite of assembly rooms having been agreed upon, the Government made a free grant of the site in 1864." At a public meeting shortly afterwards, it was stated that a sum of $20,000 had been obtained by donations, subscriptions and concerts; that a further sum of $80,000 being required, shares had been offered at $100 each; that Mr. Robert Jardine had generously taken up $50,000; and that there remained shares to the face value of $30,000 to be taken up by the public. Eventually a body of trustees was appointed and when the necessary funds were found, the building was erected and was opened on November 2, 1869, by H.R.H. Prince Alfred, Duke of Edinburgh.
The recent laying of the foundation stone of the new Hongkong and Shanghai Bank premises, which will occupy part of the site on which stood the old City Hall and Theatre Royal, recalls the similar ceremony in connection with the City Hall itself. The first article of the series on Old Hongkong (see 17-6-33), gave a brief history of the Colony's only real public building. This might be recapitulated.