CLUBS (28) Continuation.
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from its founding in Hongkong in 1859 to the time of its occupying fine new premises below Kennedy Road in 1902. The Club's golden jubilee was celebrated in 1909, and there was such ceremonial rejoicing. It is interesting to read the following extracts from contemporary reports. In its issue of November 27, 1909, after outlining the Club's history, the S.C.M. Post stated:
"In 1903 the new club had the great honour of entertaining H. I. H. Prince Adalbert, son of the Kaiser. Previous to this, however, its doors had been opened to other notables, among whom we might mention Prince Heinrich, the present Commander in Chief of Germany's great battlefleet in the North Sea. The Duke of Saxe Weimar was also an honoured guest of the Club in 1889. In 1893 when the Colony of Hongkong celebrated its jubilee, the Club Germania took a prominent part and gave a theatrical and musical performance which was attended by the Governor and all the prominent people of the Colony. We would continue to recall such incidents in the Club's story at great length, but space forbids. It only remains for us to mention that among the social features of this very excellent institution none is more conducive to the harmony and good will which pertains between its members with the British and foreign community than the frequency with which the latter are entertained within its walls, and there is always to be remembered the keen but friendly rivalry at the annual bowling matches promoted between the Hongkong Club and the Club Germania.
"To-day's festivities, for which invitations have been issued to H. E. The Governor, to Lord Kitchener, high Colonial officials, and prominent residents should recall many incidents of the past, should bring to mind the names of early enthusiasts some of whom have gone over to the great majority, and should serve to further cement the ties of friendship that the long and honourable connection of German residents with this Colony have created.
"The honorary members of the Club are:- Dr. Gerlach, and Messrs. H. Melchers, G. Wider, and J. Goosemann, the names of all of whom are preserved green in this Colony, to-day. Mr. E. Niedhart of the Medical Hall, is the oldest member remaining but there are still about a dozen of the old school of German merchants who can claim to have clung to the institution for more than 20 years.
Of the actual celebrations the S.C.M. Post dated Monday, November 29, 1909 states:
"The Club Germania celebrated its jubilee on Saturday when an 'at home' was held at the splendidly situated premises in Kennedy Road.
"At an early hour visitors began to assemble and were received in the hall, being subsequently conducted upstairs to the ball-room. The club had been tastefully decorated and an attractive appearance being the result of bunting and evergreens. Flags of different nationalities adorned the sides of the ball room, the German flag of course being prominent. Beautiful palms, and other plants added to the ornamentation, and the figures