CLUBS (26)
Continuation.
Sports field recall that the Club had been in occupation of that site for forty-six years - ever since 1888. This does not mark the length of time polo has been played in the Colony, however, for there was an earlier Polo Club, which, like other institutions of the past (such as the Yacht Club) had suffered a temporary eclipse. The first polo was most probably introduced by military men: officers coming with their regiments from India would have brought the game with them. The demise of the sport for a period was probably due to the want of proper ground, and it was not until the Government granted the site at Causeway Bay that the Club again came into existence.
The Hongkong Telegraph of September 8, 1888 reports:
"A number of gentlemen met at the Hongkong Club this afternoon to consider the possibility of reviving the old Polo Club which dragged out a rather ephemeral existence a few years back. The Hon. Mr. J. Bell-Erving presided.
Capt. Fletcher said that the Government had been asked to give a ground, and had granted a piece at Causeway Bay for two years. He thought it could be made suitable at a cost of $200 or even $150, its extent being about 260 yards by 140, which would leave a margin. About twenty gentlemen had offered to join and twelve or fifteen were needed. It was not advisable to spend much money on the ground, as there was a chance of getting the race-course, but it was as well to have a second ground for practice. At the cost he had mentioned the ground could be strengthened up and a fence put up to guard the ditch. To secure the men who first joined from having to bear the initial expense he proposed that a certain number of members should guarantee, say $20 each, which should from time to time be written off.
A proposition had been made to charge $5 entrance fee and $2 a month subscription during the playing months. Another proposal was to have the subscription $20 a year. The monthly expenses would be - groundman, say $8, balls about $30, and other things bringing the total to about $40.
Beside the first cost of levelling the ground a mat shed might be needed, but he did not think a stable would be required. As about the ponies, he might be wrong, but he thought there were very few in the place. However, he understood there were suitable ones to be got in Shanghai at a moderate price. He proposed that a Committee be appointed, supposing the Club was started, to consider the question. The keep of ponies was very expensive, and he was afraid that would prevent a good many men from joining. He suggested that to begin with a committee should be appointed.
"The chairman was afraid not many here know much about polo.
"Capt. Fletcher - All you have got to do is to sit your pony and hit the ball.
The following committee were then appointed: Hon. Mr. J. Bell-Irving, Capt. Collinson, Mr. Whitehead, Mr. Betchell, Mr. J. Grant and Capt. Fletcher.
The following sub-committee was appointed to draw up rules: Mr. Armstrong, Capt. Fletcher and Capt. Collinson.
The size of ponies was next discussed. Fourteen hands was voted dangerously high, and 13.2 decided as the standard. The matter of subscription was afterwards considered at length.