CLUBS (2) Continuation.
My
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"I think the foregoing will be enough for to-day. Next spasm, if I'm spared, will be a few notes in connection with sporting clubs in the Colony.
Some brief extracts from an old file might be added to the above.
In the Hongkong Telegraph of March 11, 1882, reference is made to a temporary shooting gallery erected in the bowling alley of the United Club, Staunton Street.
The same paper on March 25, that year makes a reference to a masquerade Ball at the United Club. Evidently this must have been a fairly large place, for the ballroom floor is stated to have accommodated 150 couples.
As regards the Wanchai Club, the Hongkong Telegraph of August 29, 1881, states:
"We learn it is contemplated to establish a new club in the Eastern District of the City. The proposed undertaking will be called the Wanchai Club, and it is expected to formally inaugurate the affair on Saturday next.
Finally, it might be noted that the Club Germania was flourishing as a social institution of the Colony in the early sixties. The premises in Wyndham Street were opened on February 2, 1872, and the building is described in an old chronicle as a fine structure of Gothic design. Tenement property now stands on its site.
The following from the Hongkong Times of November 4, 1873, is interesting:
"All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy," may be called a trite saying, but in this instance and for our purpose it is applicable to our German residents in the Colony, who essay in occasional dramatic representation for the gratification of their numerous admirers and friends galore, in their bijou Theatre at the German Club. Such occurred last night, when we need scarcely add, all the available seats were taken. The piece put up was "Good Morning Mr. Fishler."
The write-up then proceeds to give the plot of the play and appends a programme in German at the end.
To-day "R. McW" deals with some of the sporting clubs of the Colony. He writes:
"Concerning the Recreation Clubs in the Colony, a good deal could be written about the Hongkong Football Club. It has a long and honourable history. Perhaps someone interested will one day place on record its activities.
"The same may be said of all the Happy Valley Recreation Clubs. Many people, for instance, have wondered how Craigengower