October 24, 1895.]
Hon. T. H. WHITEHEAD-I think it is to be deeply regretted that Hongkong has hitherto not had a Public Library. Reading is a very great resource, and there is an increasing class in this community who cannot get books from the Club library. I think therefore it is abso- lutely necessary that there should be a Public Library in Hongkong, and I shall be happy to give it every support I possibly can. (Ap- planse). I observe there is a Committee already formed, and it might possibly be well to add to that Committee any names of persons willing to come forward to support the movement, which cannot fail to be beneficial to all classes of the community.
Mr. BHEWAN proposed a vote of thanks to the Governor for presiding. His Excellency was always willing to assist on behalf of the social welfare of the community and as he had
himself said he had never attended a more im-
CHINA OVERLAND TRADE REPORT.
Mr. Houon read the notice calling the meet ing, and then read the report for the past year.
The CHAIRMAN said-Gentlemen, on this occasion last year I told you that the state of our finances was a healthy one, and from the accounts which are now presented to you you will see that there has been a further very con-
state
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library on a substantial basis. They needed & proper building and a proper site and a great deal of help, and he thought there would be no difficulty in the public coming forward. When the baby was announced to be on view the public were always anxions to come forward and have a look at it; and once they could prevail upon his Excellency they would do more siderable improvement. Our debit balance, to practicaly forward the movement than any. which at the beginning of the year stood at thing else they could talk about. He thought $12,408.70, has been reduced to $7,106.66, or a that now was the opportunity to press the difference of over $5,000. (Applause). I think matter to a final conclusion and to ask his Ex- that you will agree that our credit account cellency, even informally, to take the office of shows a very satisfactory and encouraging aurse of this society and to espouse its cause.
things, there being an increase in all He (Mr. Williains) was sure his Excellency would the
1st year. have the support of the unofficial members, (Ap-Ent
proved by plause).
, and there entrance fees and subscriptions. On the debit side there is a reduction of over $1,600 in payments on account of Grand Stand, which, of course, was to be expected, as there were naturally fewer additions and alterations to be made, and the same remark applies to the furnishing account, which also shows a decrease. Sundries come to consider ably less, and there has only been a slight addition to the expenses of the meeting, though the cost of upkeep is larger, owing to the repairs necessitated to the Grand Stand by the damage caused by the typhoon of last October. You will notice that there is an increase of about $1,100 in the amount given in stakes and prizes. This question was mooted at our last meeting, and, as I said then, it was one for the stewards elected at it to consider. We have thought it well to increase this amount, and I think you will allow we are justified by the balance sheet we now present. (Applause). I would point out that the increase in entries and nominations is almost identical with that in this item, and we must also take into account the encouragement offered to small stables, which I consider to be of great import- ance. (Applause), It will also be remembered that a suggestion was made at our last meeting that the stakes for the Derby should be in- creased. Acting on this suggestion, the stewards raised these stakes to $500 at the last races, and, as was notified shortly after, the added money for this race has been further increased to $1,000 (applause),—which I hope will produce its due effect in a corresponding increase in the entries. (Hear, hear). I may say that I think that the stewards whom you will elect this year will pursue this policy of provid. ing liberal prizes. which appears to be so satisfactory. (Applause). To come to other matters mentioned in the report before you, you will see a reference to gymkhana meetings held under the auspices of the Jockey Club. As it is very possible that all of you do not understand how matters are between the Jockey Club and the Gymkhana Club, I think a little explanation is necessary. The facts are these- -the Secretary of the latter wrote to the stewards, asking whether they would be pre- pared to permit the gymkhanas and sky-meet- ings to be held under the auspices of the Jockey Club. The stewards, after "careful considera- tion, replied that they would do so for one year, and gymkhanas have been held during the year under these conditions. Full details of the working will be laid before you, and after the report and accounts have been passed, you will be asked to give your opinion as to whether this arrangement shall be a permanent one. The Club has to deplore the death of Mr. Hoppins, one of its original members and oldest stewards. Mr. Hoppius was a keen sport an, and in this capacity, as well as in all others. his loss has been most deeply regretted. We are pleased to welcome back our Clerk of the Course, Mr. Hough--(loud applause), whom all are glad to see recovered from his accident (renewed applause), and who has resumed his func tions in his usual efficient and energetic way. (Applause.) The thanks of the Club are due to Mr. Hart Buck, who has filled his place during his absence. (Loud applause). In conclusion I can only say that I hope we shall have a year as satisfactory, both from a sporting and from a financial point of view, as the last, and I can see no reason why such should not be the case. (Applause). On the con- trary, indeed, I think we may look forward with confidence to one of even greater prosperity; we can always gauge this to a certain extent
portant meeting than this. He (Mr. Shewan) did not agree with the remarks respecting the as- sistance from the Government. If they could go by themselves it would be much better than always running after the Government. The assistance would come from the Govern- ment all right if they moved for themselves first. When Bacon wrote "Reading maketh a full man
he did not forsee what facilities for reading the poorest people in the kingdom would have. At home there were innumerable free libraries, and yet Hongkong was without a library at all. But his Excellency had come forward to support the movement and the heartiest thanks were due to him. (Applause.)
His EXCELLENCY-I thank you very much for the way in which you have received Mr. Shewan's remarks. With the strong support of Mr. Whitehead and other gentlemen I can assure you I will do all I can, privately, publicly, and personally, to insure the success of this library (Applause). Perhaps we can put an incorporative bill through the Council, and as on that occasion shall be able to announce a very large surplus I think we might try to subsidise the library. I shall be glad to do all I can. (Applause).
The proceedings, during which the practising of the Philharmonic Society in the next room had rendered the speeches very difficult to catch, were then brought to a conclusion.
HONGKONG JOCKEY CLUB.
ANNUAL MEETING.
The annual general meeting of the Hongkong Jockey Club was held in the City Hall on Sa- turday afternoon. On the motion of Mr. A. Coxon, the Hon. C. P. Chater was called upon to preside. There was a large attendance and amongst those present were-Hon, J. J. Bell- Irving, Messrs. R. M. Gray, A. Coxon, T. Jack son, M. Grote (Stewards), T. F. Hough (Clerk of the Course), Hon. T. H. Whitehead, Messrs. H. N. Mody, J. J. Francis, Q.C., W. Danby, W. A. Cruickshank, D. R. Sassoon, V. A. Caesar Hawkins, J. Goosmann, J. C. Peter, R. K. Leigh, G.H. Potts, J. Orange, A. C. S. Manners, Lieut.- Colonel The O'Gorman, Lord C. Conyngham, Messrs. J. A. Jupp, A. P. Nobbs, A. H. Mancell, G. Stewart, A. Rodger, R. Alexander, R. Donald, A. Cumming, W. Farmer, W. H. Ray, J. Thurburn, C. C. Cohen, R. B. Joyce, R. Shewan, I. P. Madar, E. C. Ray, D. Landale, Hart Buck, A. S. Hooper, E. F. Mackay, J. Barton, G. C. Fullerton, J. Kramer, A. G. Stokes, W. H. Gaskell, D. E. Brown, R. Inglis, A. G. Morris, C. A. Tomes, Meyer, C. Tomlin, H. W. Robertson, G. Paley, G. Lammert, R. H. R. Burder, E. Jones Hughes, Paul Jordan.
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by the number of griffins subscribed for, and ̈· this year there are 45 as against 30 last year, a very marked improvement. (Applause). We know, too, how closely the prosperity of racing and the general well-being of the colony are connected, and to my mind there is every indi cation that there is a good time coming for both. (Laughter and loud applause).
Mr. HOUGH-It is not usual for the Clerk of the Course to get up on these occasions, but I feel compelled to get upon my legs on account of the manner in which you have received the very kind references to me, and I take this opportunity of thanking the members of the Jockey Club for the kindly sympathy extended to me on the occasion of my accident. (Ap- plause).
The CHAIRMAN-If there are no questions, I beg to propose that the report and accounta as laid before you be accepted by this meeting. I shall be very glad if any r ember will second.
Mr. JONES HUGHES seconded.
Carried.
Lient.-Colonel The O'Gorman I beg to propose that the stewards take some measures for the upkeep and maintenance of the steeple chase course during the whole season. (Ap plause). I think it would be beneficial in every way. (Hear, hear).
the
The CHAIRMAN-I am sure the stewards whom you elect to-day will give note
In your suggestion to
regard to steeplechase course. I may mention that the present stewards have already gone into the question and no doubt something. will be done before the coming season. (Applause). In my speech just now I stated that some details of the gymkhans meetings would be laid before you after passing of the report and which I shall now do. I have here a statement by the hon. secretary of the Gymkhana Committee, which I shall ask the Clerk of the Course to read for your information.
Mr. HovGH then read the following re- port:-
When the stewards of the Jockey Club were asked to undertake the regulation of the sky and gymkhana meetings they appointed the then standing Committee to manage the meet- ings, the Clerk of the Course assuming the duties of honorary secretary. The sum of $624.32 was handed over. The season opened with a sky meeting on the 20th April, not very auspiciously I am afraid, owing to the wet weather then prevailing, which factor no doubt was responsible for the poor attendance at the stand on that occasion, a loss to the fund
being the result. Five gymkhana meetings were subsequently held, i.e., on the 8th June, 13th July, 16th August, 7th September, and 12th October. Subscriptions were received amount ing to $779, and the receipts from the sale of tickets, &c., came to $1,013. The last-named sum would be much larger were it not that there
is
very little gate money paid, all members of the Jockey Club being admitted to these meetings free. A number of cups and prizes were kindly presented, of which the public had notification in the programmes. $1,045 was disbursed from the fund in stakes and prizes, a gymkhana prize was presented to the Jockey Club last meeting, and the expenses of the series of gymkhana meetings come roughly to $550. There are some small bills, however, still to come fromin tradespeople, but nothing of large amount. I expect when the account is closed there will be The meetings on the whole were successful and a balance of some $300 to $400 to be dealt with. productive of much enjoyment during the
summer months.
The CHAIRMAN-You have heard the report of the hon. secretary of the Gymkhana Com mittee. You perhaps might have observed that we started with a sum of $624.32 to the credit of the gymkhana fund, but, as stated in the report, from this $300 had already been pro mised to the Jockey Club for the last year's race meeting, so that we had virtually a balance of $324.32 and we leave off with a credit of $300 or $400. You therefore see that the gymk hanas have been run without any extra cost to the fund or to the Jockey Club, in other words they have been self supporting. I thought it my duty to place this financial point before you so that you should consider that before deciding whether this arrangement should be made a permanent one or only from year to year.