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CHINESE GET A COMMUNITY HALL
AFTER LONG BATTLE
The opening of the hall of the Chinese Chamber of Commerce in 1895 was the culmination of many years of agitation for such a community centre.
Before it was built the Tung Wah Hospital served as a place for public meetings. Its past and current directors were the recognised leaders of the Chinese in Hongkong and had assumed responsibility for matters which affected their community.
After the opening of the hospital in 1872, the committee was frequently criticised for assuming functions beyond that of hospital management.
Strong objections were raised against alleged quasi-governmental functions undertaken by its directors. It was also charged that it was not appropriate for the main hall of the hospital to be used for public meetings where matters of general interest to the Chinese community were discussed.
In September 1881, the editor of the China Mail expressed his growing exasperation at the state of affairs. "The Tung Wah Hospital subject we have worn nearly threadbare, but with little result." He felt it was time that the proper role of the hospital was defined.
He combined criticism of Tung Wah activities with the animosity the expatriates in Hongkong felt towards Governor John Pope Hennessy's liberal policy toward the Chinese.
The editor believed that what he called the presumptions of the directors could be blamed on the Governor:
"When the directors act as a sort of Small Cause Court, Chamber of Commerce, Tribunal of Arbitration, Hongkong Association and Advisers General of the Government, it cannot be said they are much to blame. His Excellency, the Governor, has recognised the 'good offices' of this admirable institution in his despatches