CLUBS (27) Continuation.
229
"Another page of local history is turned over to-day when the Club Germania attains its jubilee. German merchants were among the first to show their confidence in the future of the new British Colony. German business houses were established in the very early days of British occupation. Enterprises have been rewarded, and to-day Hongkong claims to be the hub of the best German business houses in the Past.
"This date fifty years ago, a small band of pioneers from the Fatherland, who at that period had to contend with many difficulties owing to the fact that the German Empire had not then been founded and the German states were practically unrepresented in China, conceived the need of an institution where they could discuss business if they cared to and where social intercourse could be promoted and ties of close intimacy established. They put their heads together, and started the Club Germania.
"It was a very modest building lying on the way to Wanchai, yet it served their purpose at that time, and great was the joy of our German cousins when they had a home of their own in this far distant part of the world.
"German commerce developed, and in the natural course of events the German community and the membership of the new Club increased. In a few years larger rooms were necessary, and choice fell upon what was at the time called the French Hotel; now known as College Chambers at the top of Wyndham Street opposite the Bishop's House, near St. Paul's College. Here the Club was admirably housed for a time, but about thirty-five years ago (1874) the growth of membership loudly called for another change of venue. Accordingly, those commodious premises now occupied by the Phoenix Club in Wyndham Street (almost opposite the present Morning Post Building) were adapted to the requirements of the Club Germania,
and most excellent and central they were. Many happy evenings were spent there. The older members love to recall the joys and sorrows which were discussed in its comfortable rooms during the many years of occupation of the old house in Wyndham Street.
"There the club prospered, and membership increased so rapidly that it was reluctantly considered advisable to build a new club house, one which would combine, on a grander scale, all the requirements for recreation and social intercourse with apartments for resident members. This elaborate scheme was rendered practicable (in 1901-1902) by the kindly aid of the German firms and great sacrifices by the members themselves. A large plot of land near to and above the lower Peak Tram station was purchased and there the new club stands - an ornament among the architectural features of Hongkong (now occupied by St. Joseph's College). The building cost $185,000 and a heavy financial burden was thrown upon the members. This, however, has been cheerfully borne, and by the sound principle of paying off debentures every year the club stands to-day in a financial condition which rebounds to the credit of its 150 members. The new Club in which to-day's celebration takes place was opened at noon on the 31st December 1902, by Mr. G. Harling, the then president, in the presence of a large and distinguished gathering.
GERMAN CLUB'S HISTORY
CLUBS (28)
(All Rights of Reproduction are Strictly Reserved)
A previous article sketched the history of the Club Germania
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