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ENTERTAINMENTS.
POLICE SMOKING CONCERT.
By permission of Mr. F. J. Badeley, Captain Superintendent the Hongkong Police held a smoking concert on the 27th ult. in the Mess Room at the Central Station. The enter- tainment was highly successful, and the various items on the programme were very well sustained. Bergeant H. Garred presided with his accustomed acceptance. The company numbered in all about 150. Among those present were Mr. P. P. J. Wodelouse, A.D.S.P., Chief Inspector A. Mackie, In- spectors H. G. Baker, W. L. Ford, J. Gauld, D. D. Cuthbert, and J. H. Gidley. The enter tainers were the Brothers Francis, who gave exhibitions of their skill as variety instrumenta lists besides playing the pianoforte accompani- ments; Messrs. W. Dockree, Debenham, Robins, Harris, F. Varney, Armitage, P. Martin, McCarthy, J. Cooper, vocalists; C. Burnett, vocalist and elocutionist; W. Rogers, coon songster; Gus Gregory, comedian and cornet soloist; and, last but not least, Captain Calder, who gave a humorous gescription in verse of a voyage up from Australia. Mr. Goodwill also assisted at the piano, Refresh ments were served during the evening and a most enjoyable time was spent, though the proceedings near the finish were suddenly cut short by the ring of the fire-bell. The com- mittes in charge of the arrangements carried out their work admirably. Mr. H, Garrod was president, and the other members were Messrs. M. Davitt (vice-president), J. C. Wildin, E. H. Evans, J. Gibson, W. Wright and J. Deveney.
CONCERT AT KOWLOON DOCKS.
On the 27th ult., at Kowloon Docks, an enjoyable variety entertainment was given by the members of the Lock Amateur Dramatic Society. The programme comprised instru- mental and vocal numbers and a couple of sketches, both of which went very well. Mrs. Coggin won applause by her cleverly executed contributions on the piano and violin.
THEATRE ROYAL.
THE HONGKONG WEEKLY PRESS AND
SEAMEN'S MISSION.
The u ual Christmas festivities were entered into this year with the customary enthusiasm. Again a large number of local friends came forward and made a possible for 250 seafaring men, and the hos- "Happy Christmas "
pitality of Hongkong is not likely to be soon forgotten by those who partook of it in the Sailors' Institute, Kowloon, on Christmas Day A Sports Committee had been at work and provided a varied and interesting list of events; they had also sacceeded in reserving nice lot of prizes to be awarded to the successful competitors. Three launches having collected the proceeded to Stonecutters Island, which the men from the various ships Colonial Secretary had very kindly lent for the occasion. Here the men entered very heartily into the sports and appeared to eajoy themselves to the fall. The excitement how. ever centred round the tug-of-war between teams representing stokers, bluejackets, marines, and merchant sailors. The latter after a severe struggle were declared the victors.
spice
While the men were thus enjoying themselves the ladies were busy at the Institute preparing for their return. All were quite ready after the afternoon games for the sumptuous tea, &c., with which the table groaned. and fall justice was done to the careful catering of the ladies. There did not seem to be an inch of available either outside-or inside. The wants of the inner man having been thus supplied, no adjournment was made topside. A beautiful little ship about 10 feet long, riggel as a brig and named the" Star "adorned the upper end of the room. A miscellaneous concert was engaged in, the men taking up the choruses in a manuer that did credit to Bri ish songs, Mrs Milton kindly distributed the prizes won at the sports in the afternoon. Ou entering the room each man had received a mysterious numbered card about which there was considerable conjecture during the evening. The solution however was at hand, when the little Captain of the Brig (Miss Lily Thompson) stepped on dock and proc eded to the discharge of the cargo.
It was found that the hold of the ship contained some 250 small parcels, and sitting down on the hatch combings the "Captain" quickly proceeded to find consignees for the various packages. Each packet was marked to correspond with the bills of lading in the hands of the men pre ent. It was found that warm hearts had been busy for weeks getting this cargo ready for shipment and not a man left the room without carrying off some portion theroof. All had enjoyed themselves to the full, and many were the expressions of gratitude to the ladies and other friends who had enabled them to spend such a
On the 27th alt, the comedy Turned Up was repeated successfully in the Theatre Royal before a big audience. Mr. Norval McGregor was excellent as George Medway aud Miss Janet Waldorf as Sabina Medway, the sister. Two characters which appealed strongly to the audience were Caraway Bones (Mr. St. Clair Bayfield) and Gleopatra (Mrs. A. Dow- Currier). Of Mr. Bayfield it may be said that during the season he has never appeared in a more favourable light; the role suited him nicely, and a great deal of the fun of the piece centred in his depiction of it. Mrs. Dow-pleasant Christmas. Currier's acting was delightful, and her concep- tion of the part of the old negress, joined to her capital make-up, coincided exactly with the ideas of the audience, who recorded their approval by generous plaudits. A breezy old salt was Mr. Wilson Forbes, with the conventional fondness of the tiller of the ocean for nautical expressions in relation to matters far removed from the sea. Mr. William Fitchett had a good part iu Gene- ral Baltic, and did it justice, as did Miss Amy Stanley (Mrs. Parnal), Miss Edith Haye (Mrs. Medway), and Mr. Ernest Macken (Nod sted dam) to their part.
The Lady of Ostend was played on Monday; Camille on Tuesday, and Sweet Neler Old Drury on Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday.
At the conclusion of the play on the 26th alt, Mrs. A. Dow-Currier, in a pleasant little ceremony which took place behind the cartuin, was presented with a handsome silver chatelaine of Chinese workmanship as a mark of the appreciation by the Company of her exertio. 8o their behalf. Mr. Wilson Forbes made the presentation, and the health of the recipient, who made a very appropriate reply, was toasted with musical honours. Amongst other toasts were-"The stars, Miss Janet Waldorf and Mr. Norval MoGregor," The Manager, Mr. W. Reu'é,” and “The Press!"
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The Indian Medical Cazette reports that dengue fever, which has been prevalent in Barna (and, the Gazette might have added, in the Far East generally) has reached Calcutta and Madras,
The annual meeting was held on Tuesday evening, 30th ult., at the Institute, Kowloon, The choir (assisted by some friends) gave a selection of carols. Mrs Brewett, Mr. Hay and others sang solos, and several of the local clergy gave short addre: ses. -Contributed.
MASONIC AFFAIRS.
At the anuual meeting of the District Grand Lodge of Hongkong and South China, Wor. Bro. E. C. Kay presided and invested the Grand Master, Wor. Bro. E. Clay, Lodge following officers for 1993:-'eputy. District 1026; District Senior Grand Warden, Wor. Bro. F. W. Edwards, 1,165: District Junior Grand Grand Chaplain, Wor. Bro. E. T. Bond, 2013; Warden, Wor. Bro D. Macdonald, 525; District
rict Grand Treasurer, Wor. Bro. H. J. Walsou, 1,341; District Grand Registrar, Wor. Bro.
[January 3, 1903. 1,912, and G. G. Burnett, 1,341; District Grard Organist, Bro. A. G. Ward, 1,165; Distriot Grand Pursuivant, Wor. Bro. H. W. Wolfe, 1,341; District Assistant Grand Pursuivant, Bro. A. W. Bewley, 1,165; District rand Oliver, 525, J. H. Varcoe, 1341, H. Bathurst, Stewards, Bros. E. H. Hinds, 1,165, J. W. L.
1,806, Senior Wardon Star Southern China, 2013, and Senior Warden Foochow Lodge, 1,912; District Grand Tyler, Bro. J. Vanstone. Unofficial members, Wor. Bros. F. D. Goddard, P.M., and W. J. Tutcher, P.M.
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The
At a regular meeting on the 27th ult. of Zetland Lodge No. 525 Wor. Bro. B. Brotherton Harker was installed Worshipful Master, the Ray. Deputy District Grand Master. ceremony being performed by Wor. Bro É. C. following officers for 1903 were afterwards invested: I.P M., Wor. Bro. Jos. James Bryan; S.W., Bro. I. W. L. Oliver; J.W., Bro. Henry Sykes; chaplain, Bro. T. Wright; treasurer, Wor. Bro, G., J. B. Sayer; 8.D., Bro. W. H. Purcell; D.C., Bro. Geo. A. Diss; I.G., Bro. G. Patton; secretary, Br. E. ka'phs; J.D., Bro. A. H. Skelton; ergeist, Bro. G. Grimbl. tyler, Pro. I. Vanstone; stewards, Bros. J. Parkes and J. C. Lowe. The installation was followed by a banquet.
MACAO.
[FROM OUR CORRESPONDENT.]
Macao, 27th December. WARSHIPS' MOVEMENTS. final leave of Mac..o on Monday and sailed for The Portugues gunboat, Zaire took her Goa, leaving the Diu in her place. On the day before, the officers of the later ship gave
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officers of the Iltis, at which H.E. the "At Home on the tennis court to the
Governor was present. On Monday also stay over Christmas. On Monday next she H.M.S. Robin arrived from the West River to
proceeds to Canton.
CHRISTMAS.
The weather during the holidays, if bracing, has not been such as to tempt many people to make steamer trips to Macio or elsewhere, aud there were fewer visitors than usual here.
there were not many decorations to meet the Christmas Day passed off quietly enough, and
eye, though the Robin was prettily decorated within and without, and a very heary Christ- Mrs. Morehouse kindly and ably arranged ■ mas was enjoyed on board, On Christmas Eve Christmas Tree, and imported Father Christmas, which gave great pleasure to the many children who were invited.
SWATOW.
[FROM OUR CORRESPONDENT.]
Swatow, 29th December.
CHANGE CF CONSULS.
Mr. B. Twyman, H.B.M. Vice-Consul here, is shortly leaving on furlough and will be succeeded by Mr. H. Fox.
JAPANESE ENTERPRISE,
arrived here from Folkien the other day A party of three Japanese civil engineers They were travelling all the way overland and made surveys for a railway. The Chinese enjuin all officials to be of every assistance to Government has issued papers to them which them and look af er their safety, whilst on their peregrinalins in the interior. They are the guests of the Taotai at (howchowfoo at present.
THE CHR 8TMAS HJLIDAYS.
Christmas has come and gone. In the fore- noon it was drizzling and misty, but cleared up · towards acon. The celibate members of the Kialat Club celebrated Christmas with good and tree was put up. merry cheer in their Club, where a Christmas The Club premises were also gaily decorated for the occasion.
SKI PING COMPETITION.
G. Bailoch, 1,026; District Grand President of the Board of General Purposes, Secretary, Wor. Bro. A. 'D. Gonrdiu, 1,026; Wor Bro F. W, Clark, 1.165; District Grand
District Senior Grand Deacon, Wor. Bro. Deacon, Wor. Bro. L. A. Byworth, 2013; C. S. Rogers, 1,912;- District Jaaior Grand
I am informed that several boats have been District Grand Superintendent of Works, Wor.chartered by the Chinese to run in opposition to Bro. B. B, Harker, 525; District G aud the North German Lloyd on their Bangkok line, Director of Ceremonies, Wor. Bro. E. H. Ray, 1,026; District Grand Assistant Lirec
on which they have up till now held & monopoly. tor of Ceremonies, Bro. A.
As a consequence of this new competition, 2,013; District Grand Sword Bearer, Wor. 90 per cent. by the German Company, who, I H. Hylands, freights and fares have been reduced by about Bro. A. Bottenheim, 1,165: District Grand am told, will fight the opposition to the bitter Standard Bearers, Wor. Bros. J. Helbling, ed. A sure victory may safely be predicted
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