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October 29, 1904.}
they are to attempt such combinations; and, as time goes on and they get to know better how they stand, there is every likelihood of organis- ations springing up of a troublesome churae. ter. One good feature is that the immigrants are not all coming from the same provinces. The northern men from Manchuria are not likely to coalesce very greatly with those from the southern ports; and thus the tendency to any general combination will be modified; and the conditions of life-in compounds and divided off into the different mines-are such as will prevent factiousness and rivalry among themselves ever attaining serious dimensions. Still it would be too much to hope that the Government will not have a few troublesome matters to deal with from time to time; there is no reason to fear anything thatcannot be handled with a little tact and common sense.
FANCY FAIR IN HONGKONG.
i
Despi'e the somewhat disagreeable weather, there was a large attendance at the bazaar and fancy fair which was held on the Volunteer parade ground on the 22nd instant under; the auspices of the Ministering Children's League. The proceedings were opened at three o'clock, when lowering clonds threatened to mar the pleasure of the function, and it was deemed advisable to transfer the stalls, which were laden with fancy and useful articles, from the grounds to the shelter of the pavilion. It was fortunate that this precaution was adopted, for a nasty drizzling rain occasionally swept over the fair and soaked the stalls which remained outside The parade' ground was alive with flags and pennants; in a big enclosure dramatic entertain. ments a la grecque were performed, while at another part of the fair the ever-green Punch and Judy show attracted a host of admirers among the little ones. It was a children's day, and rain or shine they thoroughly enjoyed them- selves. There was a toboggan slide down which an endless procession of youngsters tumbled, rolled and scrambled head over heels. The band of the 110th Mahratta Light Infantry played selections of music during the afternoon. | and altogether, notwithstanding the unpropitious weather which undoubtedly kept away many patrons of the League, the fancy fair was very enjoyable. His Excellency the Governor was present for a short time, accompanied by his aide-de-camp, and made extensive purchases.
CHINA OVERLAND TRADE REPORT.
321
Work Stall. Mrs. Craddock and Mrs. Davis,, an examination in technical work, at which H.E. Beatrice Hooper, Florrie Standage, Winnie the Governor will be present. Edwardes, Lily Neave, Agnes Macdonald, and Lily Higby.
Work Stall. Mrs. Hurly. Alice Vanstone, Rose
Ahwee. M. Rogge. D. Baker and
Rosa Bradley.
Every praise should be awarded Mrs. May, to whose untiring offorts on behalf of the League much of the success of the function was due. The overcast sky prevented to some extent the fruition of the highest hopes of those concerned with the bazaar and fair, but taken as a whole it was a decidedly pleasant function, which is likely to prove of benefit to the various charities on whose behalf it was arranged.
The proceeds of the sale amounted to just over $1,100.
The men have entered thoroughly into the spirit of the camp. and are determined to improve in their drill.
On their
About 150 Volunteers are in camp. the 23rd inst. a period was set to slumbers at the usual hour of five o'clock. Their ablutions done--many availing themselves of the opportunity of a bath in the briny inspection Church parade they dressed, and fixed up their tents for o'clock, and service-at which the Rev.
Was at seven ̈
C. H. Hickling officiated-half an hour later. All sat down, with extraordinarily good sp- o'clock a lecture was given on gunnery; and at petites, to breakfast at eight o'clock. At tøn
inspected the tents. noon Majors C. J. Pritchard and A. Chapman Sergt. Meek's "tent was pronounced to be the model It was indeed very neat. The beds were rolled up tent. neatly, carbines stacked, and other impedimenta sight. After inspection the men were given a slung from a cross bamboo, or stowed away out of spell. Some entertained their friends; some football went for a swim; and others, again, played Tiffin was at one o'clock; a few guests wers or .otherwise amused themselves. invited.
.
•
A few lady visitors came over to the camp
in the afternoon, and were entertained to tea. Cafe
Mrs. May, the President of the Lea rue, wishes especially to thank the ladies who kindly took charge of the stalls as well as the following firms and others who rendered generous and valuable assistance to the Bazaar: -
Messrs Kelly and Walsh; Labe, Crawford & Co., A. Chazalon & Co.; A Chee & Co. and A. 8, Watson supply of various articles at the stalls; Mrs. & Co. for gratuitous James, who organized the excellent children's play; Mrs Hastings, Miss Berkeley, Captain Smith A.D.C. and Mr. H. W. Bird, for their very successful dramatic entertainment; Mr. France, who kindly lent the Day Spring j Private Barnett for his amusing Punch and Judy show; Commodore Dicken, for the loan of flags, and the sailors of H.M.8. Tamar for tastefully arranging the same; Mr. Wolfe of the P.W.D., who supervised the arranging of the ground; the St. Patrick's Club for loan of some of the scenery for theatre : Colonel Caulfield and officers 110tli Mahratta Light Infantry for the loan of their Band: Major Pritchard and officers Bongkong Volunteers for placing the Ground at the dis-been their rounds. posal of the Leave, to the Press for advertis. ing the Bazaar; and the China Mail for printing programmes.
HONGKONG VOLUNTEERS IN
CAMP.
The Hongkong Volunteers went into camp at Stonecutters Island on the 1st instant. The first launch left Murray Pier at 4.30 p.m. There were several gunners injit and three The first of the entertainments staged was a officers, Capt. Ordish. Surgeon-Lieut. Laing, series of nursery rhymes which were given in and Lieut G. P. Lammert. On arriving at costume by amateurs, the costumes being arrang- the camp great satisfaction was expressed ed by Mrs. James. The rhymes and the players regarding the general arrangements. which were as follows:-
The Three Pipers"-W. had been carried out under the supervision Robertson, A. Martin and H. Stewart.-"Sarah of Sergt. Major Higby. Three tents were Jane's Tea Party"-Miss Cissy Lowe. Dance-provided Misses B. Kennett, M. Stewart, E. Parker and G. Hume. Afterwards, a couple of comedies, or, as Bernard Shaw would say, comediettinas, were played. The first was the well-known piece "A. Pair of Lunatics," in which Captain H. W. Smith. A.D.C., and Miss Berkeley took part: while the second was "The Fatal Pin," one of Anstey's funny dialogues. The cast was com- posed of Mrs. Hastings, the Misses K. and A. Berkeley, and Mr. H. Bird.
The following ladies kindly took charge of the various stalls with most satisfactory results :-
Tea Stall-Mrs. Danby. Mrs. Gompertz, Mrs. Bateson-Wright, Mrs. Rout, Mrs. Watson, Miss Barnes-Lawrenc, Miss Siebs, Miss A. Berkeley, and the Misses Rogers (3).
Ice Stall-Mrs. Kooh, Mrs. Britten, and Miss
• Blair.
Sweet Stall.-Misses Loureiro and Misses Seth.
Toy Stall-Miss M. Loureiro and Misses Seth.
The One-Dollar Stall (all the articles moft kindly provided by Mrs. Mitchell)-Mrs. Mit- chell, Mrs. and Miss Brotherton Harker, Miss Bateman.
Work Stall-Mrs. Badeley and Mrs. John. ston, Marjory Berkeley, Stella May, Alice Hoare, Kathleen Cocker, Gussy Hinds, and Gwennie Woodward.
Work Stall-Miss Stilwell and Miss Griffin, Phoebe May, May Hoare, and Nancy Playfair, Work Stall-Mrs. Bridie and Mrs. More, Ethel Parker, Gertrude Bridie, Gladys Hume, Phyllis More, Lilly Presley, and Irene Cowan.
[
one
for the officers' mess. for each two officers as sleeping tents, two guard tents, one for the quartermaster and ammunition store. six for the staff sergeants and instructors, one for each N.C.O. and seven men, three for 'sergeants messes, and one for a tailor's shop. Matsheds were provided for the general mess and canteen. Bedding was provided in the sleeping tents. The matresses, which were placed on boards raised a couple of inches from the ground, were very soft and comfortable.
Meal hours are fixed at 8 a.m., breakfast 1 p.m., tiffin; and 7 p.m., dinner. Visitors are allowed off on Saturday afternoon, all day Sunday, and from 4 p.m. to 6.30 p.m. on other days. When not otherwise engaged in the forenoon the volunteers are allowed to bathe. Telephone messages to any member of the staff will be received at the Com nis- sariat Buildings. This morning drill com- menced at, six o'clock, No. 1 Company being employed at the 15-pr. B. L., No. 2 Co. at the Mazim, and the Engineers at squad and company drill. At ten o'clock they are to be put through laying, musketry and infantry drill respectively. To-morrow Diviné Service will be held at 7.30 a.m., a lecture will be given at 10 a.m., and the Commandant will inspect the tents at noon. The week-day drill will be varied. There will be instruction in mekometer range finding, in ammunition fuse setting, and other subjects. There will also be infantry drill parade rehearsals. For the Engineers there will be instruction by mechanics at Stonecutters' West, and finally
Weismann has a buffet, in the camp apart from
the canteen. Some of the volunteers "killed time" by a game of cricket, using upturned buckets for wickets; others went out to the range for class firing at 200, 300 and 500 yards. The evening, after dinner, was, quietly spent.
Saturday night, the 22nd inst., we are told was rendered rather sleepless by some of the noisier ones, especially after the officers had
Sapper J. C. Witchell has been promoted to a corporal; and Corporal J. Crawford to acting sergeant while in camp.
H.E. the Governor will inspect the camp at 5 p.m. on the 26th inst.
The Volunteers at Stonecutter's Island are visibly smartening in their drill. On the 24th inst. there was a spirited exhibition by the Maxim section, and in the afternoon also the men showed a hearty enthusiasm in their work which would have charmed the heart of the strictest martinet. About 50 men remained on the island during the day, and judging from their attitudes when the first afternoon boat went across they seemed to find life one grand sweet dream, only to be dispelled by the voice of the drill sergeant. One or two ladies went across to the Island in the course of the day, and visitors of the sterner sex also proceeded by the launch to chaff their soldier friends and partake of the camp hospitality, which was of the most generous character. As far as the drill was concerned, there was nothing, of special note; while it lasted it was trying no doubt to those with relaxed muscles, but before the end of the week the volunteers should be in the pink of condition, and their manœuvres should be worth seeing.
The Hongkong Volunteer Mounted Troop on Oct. 24th went out for a ride to Deep Bay. They mustered in front of the City Hall at 5.30 p.m., looking very smart.
Favoured by delightful weather, the members of the Hongkong Volunteer Corps are thoroughly enjoying their outing at Stone- cutter's Island. On Oct. 25th the usual morning and evening drills were carried out, and although there is still room for improvement-it is satisfactory to notice how the men are quicken- ing to the commands. To-day, it is probable that Colonel Kent of the Royal Artillery, will visit the camp and inspect the work of the H.K.V.A. Orders were given yesterday to erect targets for the big guns, and firing will commence about 6 a.m. On Oct. 25th, the men practised at the fifteen pounders with blank shot, the ob- ject being to ascertain the rapidity with which the guns could be loaded and fired. It is stated that the operations were carried through in remarkably good time. No complaints of any sort are heard from the volunteers, a minority of whom are spending a pleasant time during the day in roaming from end to end of the island. So far the camping arrangements- have proved extremely satisfactory.