December 6, 1909.]
WIRELESS TELEGRAPHY ORDINANCE
AMENDMENT.
The ATTORNEY-GENERAL moved the first reading of a Bill entitled An Ordinance to amend the Wireless Telegraphy Ordinance, 1903, and the Wireless Telegraphy Ordinance, 1909.
The COLONIAL SECRETARY seconded, and the Bill was read a first time.
CHINA OVERLAND TRADE REPORT.
THE SCOTTISH BALL,
A BRILLIANT SUCCESS.
Hackneyed though the phrase may be, there is none other which adequately describes St. Andrew's Ball. A brilliant success it always ORDER AND CLEANLINESS ORDINANCE.
has been, and Tuesday's event was another. The ATTORNEY-GENERAL moved the first read-Inld not well be otherwise when we remem- ing of a Bill entitled An Ordinance to amend the Order and Cleanliness Ordinance, 1867.
The COLONIAL SECRETARY seconded, and the Bill was read a first time. LIQUORS LICENCES ORDINANCES AMENDMENT. The ATTORNEY-GENERAL moved the with- drawal of the previous Bill, and the substitution of a new Bill which had been circulated to mem-
bers. He then moved the first reading of this
new Bill which was entitled An Ordinance to amend the Liquor Licences Ordinance, 1898, and the Liquor Licences Extension Ordinance, 1908, and to repeal the Liquor Licences Amendment Ordinance, 1902.
that it is undertaken by men who have a shrewd business acumen as well as a social, pleasure-loving instinct. Apart from the King's Birthday Ball, which is the inauguration of the Social season in the Colony, the Scottish ball is undoubtedly the event of the season. In num- bers and in splendour it excels every other social passing year event, and its popularity increases with each
64
St. Andrew's Day is the one day in the year. when Scots abroad delight to foregather. They may have their reunions at the New Year or on Burns' Birthday, but the name day of their patron saint is always remembered. On that The COLONIAL SECRETARY seconded.
occasion they meet in larger numbers than at His EXCELLENCY-Gentlemen, with regard any other time. When Scots meet hearts to this Bill I would just observe that in speaking warm," and so they recall the memories of their to the resolution which was before the Council native land and its dear associations. In Hong on 13th August last, and on other occasions, Ikong the celebrations are not confined to the promised that we should bring in a consolidated festive board, which,after all, is usually limited liquor bill at an early date. There were such a
to the men. They are on a more comprehensive number of difficult questions in connection with scale, and not only do they embrace the sons this subject that it was pointed out to me that it and daughters of Scotia themselves, but many would be advisable to defer the consolida- other members of the community join in the tion bill, and to bring in this Liquor Ordin-pleasures of the evening, and thus it is that the ance in the meantime. Consequently, altera- ball assumes an importance which is unequalled tions were rendered necessary by the amend- in the Far East. ment of the schedule which now replaces this resolution, and some other matters have been omitted which were in the bill withdrawn. It is not proposed to bring in the consolidated bill for twelve months time, when we can consolidate the liquor licences in one bill dealing with the whole subject.
THE DECORATIONS.
The decorations were of necessity on a less elaborate scale than on some former occasions owing to the fact that the Bandmann Comedy Company were in occupation of the Theatre up till the dawn of St. Andrew's Day, but it must not be inferred that the usual picturesque The Bill was read a first time.
effects were lacking. Far from it. The ball, His EXCELLENCY then adjourned the Council when at its height, presented a scene of brilliancy until Thursday next.
!
FINANCE COMMITTEE,
A meeting of the Finance Committee was then held, the COLONIAL SECRETARY presiding The following votes were passed:
MISCELLANEOUS SERVICES.
The Governor recommended the Council to vote a sum of Seven thousand five hundr Dollars ($7,500) in aid of the vote, Miscellaneous Services, Printing and Binding Miscellaneous Papers.
IMPORTS AND EXPORTS OFFICE.
The Governor recommended the Council to vote a sum of Nineteen thousand three hundred and fifty dollars ($19,350) in aid of the vote, Harbour Master's Department, C.-Imports and Exports Office, Salaries and Expenses of Customs and Excise Staff,
JUDICIAL AND LEGAL.
The Governor recommended the Council to vote a sum of Three hundred and twenty-five Dollars ($325) in aid of the vote, Judicial aud Legal Departments, B.-Magistracy, Other Charges, Allowance of $5.00 a day to the District Officer, New Territories, acting as First Police Magistrate in Hongkong.
An anonymous writer has sent a letter to the Prince Regent at his private residence impeach- ing over fifty high officials, including Presidents of Boards, for neglecting their duties, frequent- ing questionable places and gambling. His Imperial Highness is said to have become very angry in reading the letter and has appointed certain officials to investigate the allegations secretly.
and splendour and pleasing contrasts which was worthy of the best traditions of the Society. Greater simplicity characterised the adornment of the interior. For instance, at the bottom of the stairway was a large St Andrew's Cross outlined with electric bulbs, while at the top the attention, was arrested by the lion rampant of Scotland, supported by St Andrew's crosses, and draped with flags On either side of the massive mirror which hung beneath were the dates-
1847" and "1909," which indicated the birth and age of the Society As the national flower of Scotland, the thistle found a conspicuous place on the walls, which were further decorated with the warlike emblems of spear and battle axe covered with the Highland targe. The beautiful design of the thistle was outlined in vari-coloured lights above the stairway, and the many flags introduced added no little to the
charm of the decorations.
St. Andrew's Hall was draped with white and blue, the colours of the Society, and the place of the pictures of Scottish worthies was filled by the Society's coat of arms. Round the walls were placed shields bearing the coats of arms of most of the clans and Scottish families. Hongkong and Shanghai Bank were ouployed In St. George's Hall the red and white of the
to drape the doorways, a compliment to Chief Smith, and in addition to the clan crests in this hall the Scottish lion stood boldly overlook ing the band, while the picture of Queen Victoria was accompanied by the royal standard. |
The reception room was as before, but the Theatre Royal, which was used as the supper room, had fewer decorations, though more work was put into the seating and dining arrange. ments. The gallery was altered so as to give only two terraces, and these were guarded by red ropes running through standards. Spears, battleaxes and shields relieved the front of the balcony and also adorned the walls, while running round the back wall was the motto “I'll drink a cup tae Scotland yet.” As usual, the prettiest effect in the supper room was the horse-shoe table on the stage, which was beautifully decorated with flowers and laid with artistic care. Solidly built tables added much to the convenience of all.
Speaking at a S.P.C.K. meeting at Hastings recently the Rev. Lord William Cecil said people must not think that China could be converted by the white man. No one had a greater respect for the white missionary than he, for no one better knew what they had suffered; yet they were not the tools with which China would be converted. The missionary to China must be a Chinaman. He must, however.
Though the place names were absent this be well educated and able to answer the ques-year, the clan crests placed on the walls afforded tions put to him by the materialist.
the old-time convenience for "trysting," as it
485
was no easy matter for partners to discover each other in the midst of the gay throng which crowded the two halls, and in fact the entire building. "Auchtermuchty" was the resort of those who favoured less active pleasures than dancing.
Mention must be made of the gentlemen who laboured strenuously to achieve the fine pic- turesque results which delighted everybody, and the thanks of the Society are due to Messrs. J. I. Andrew (convener), A. M. Mar- shall, Jas. Macdonald, G. Duncan, David Keith, Frank Graham and David Wood (hon. secretary), the members of the Decoration Committee.
OFFICIALS,
The amount of work involved in connection will the Ball is enormous, and by far the largest share falls on the hon. secretary. The Society was again fortunate in having the services of Mr. David Wood, who discharged his multi- farious duties with his customary diligence and urbanity. He was assisted by the following committees :-
Invitation Committee:-Mr. J. R. M. Smith, Hon. Mr. Murray Stewart, Messrs. T. F. Hough, Robert Shewan, David Wood, G. M. Dalgety, W. Armstrong, J. W. C. Bonnar, Andrew Forbes. D. Macdonald, E. Ormiston, W. Dickson, R. M. Dyer, C. E. Anton, D. R. Law, D. Templeton, Hon. Mr. A. M. Thomson, Captain Campbell Heathcote, A.D.C., and Mr. David Wood (Hon. Sec.), Convener).
Dancing and Music Committee-Messrs. G Balloch (Convener), P. S. Jameson, Frank Maitland, E. Ormiston, W. Armstrong, An- drew Forbes, A Sinclair, Dr. C. Forsyth. Messrs. H. C. Jonss, R. Hutchison, C. G. Mackie, D. Macdonald, Hon. Mr. Murray Stewart, Captain Campbell Heathcote, A.D.C., Mr. David Wood (Hon. Secretary).
Card Room Committee-Messrs. J. W. C. Bonnar (Convener), J. Johnstone (J., M. and Co.), H. A. Macintyre, W. M. Anderson, A. G. Gordon, J. McCubbin, David Wood (Hon. Sec.).
Ladies' Room Committee-Dr. D. R. Black and Messrs. Duncan Clark and A. Findlay Smith (Convener),
Refreshment Room Committee-Messrs. T. F. Hough, Donald Macdonald, E. Ormiston.
Supper Committee-Mr. James D. Auld. (Convener) Dress Circle."-Messrs. J. Hall (in charge), R. McGregor, M. A. Murray, J. T. Douglas, H. Greig, W. Murray Scott, W. L. Leask, A. Davidson, Adam Gibson, J. D. Logan, W. D. Graham, Thos. Arthur, R. B.. Beattie, G. L. Duncan, J. M. McHutchon, Wm. Pittendrigh, C. T. A. Robertson, J. Dunn, and C. A. W. Ferrier. Stalls." Messrs. A. R. Sutherland A. V. Monk, A. C. More, J. Paterson, A. R. Austin, S. B. C. Ross, E. Grant Smith. G. Morton Smith, A. T. Walker, James Craik, J. Clark, Dr. John M. Gordon, R.N., Captain R. B. Crawford, R.G.A., Messrs. W. N. Fleming, W. Ironside, J. B. C. Neilson, J. W. Stewart, A. C. Leith, F. G. Walker, A. W. W, Walkinshaw and J. Kennedy.
0
THE DANCE.
well over
course it was
(in charge),
Dancing was timed to commence at nine elock, but shortly before that hour guests to ascend the stairs for almost an hour after- began to arrive and a steady stream continued
wards. The numbers were practically the same as before. It would be difficult to give it is estimated that actual figures, bat
a thousand persons were present.
that impossible for Of number to find dancing room on the floor at one time, but other sources of amuse. ment relieved the pressure somewhat, and after supper the accommodation was all that could be desired. The Band of the Buffs supplied excellent music, even that for the Strathspey being beyond reproach. His Excellency the Governor again attended the ball. was met at the entrance by "Chief " Smith and members of the General Com- mittee, and, led by the Hon. Secretary (Mr. Wood), they were piped to St. Andrew's Hall by Hon. Piper Ian Neilson. Here the Band of the Buffs then played" God Save the King,"
He
The Ball was opened officially by the dancing of the "Lancers," the official set being as follows:-H. E. the Governor and Mrs. Smith. Mr. J. R. M. Smith (President) and Mrs. Lyon, Hon. Mr. Murray Stewart