Page
CORRESPONDENCE.
HAWKERS OBSTRUCTING
STREETS.
[TO THE EDITOR, OF THE !! HONGKONG DAILY PRESS,??
Sin, Pedestriane, who
are making daily use of the following atpects are quite unable to owing to the fact that the
cross hawkera aro so closely packed together, vizChiu Lung Street, Li Yuen Street
IS HONGKONG MUSICAL ?
COMMERCE AND AN APPRECIA-
TION OF ART
EXPERT OPINIONS.
Can Hongkong really and truly be described ng musical question was asked by a correspondent, over the nom de-plume" Music Lover, in the Daily Press a few days ago. The writer of the letter claimed that the inanity of
TEL HONGKONG DAILY PRESS, THURSDAY JUNE 187 1916
uccess
kong nudience they would meet with SOLICITOR PROTESTS
AGAINST INJUSTICE.”
OPIUM FINES ON EUROPEANS AND CHINESE
lever did
forget |that a programme, which had catie thed one part of the world and drawn forth storms of applause would not necessarily appeal to every test at the Magistracy yesterday Mr. Leo d'Almada made a strong pro other place visited. Hongkongngainst what he suggested was an unfair musical in the seas that great care he discrimination in the imposition of fines to be exercised, in the selection of the on his client (a Chinese bontman) aud on
programme.
When questioned on the subject, Mr.
2 European nanied Newman. The case
INTIMATIONS
LANE CRAWFORD & Co.
was one in which Kwok Lai, a boatman, SUMMER
East Li Yuen Street West, Chinese the revue and musical comedy mean George Grimble replied: Is Hongkong was charged with being in unlawful pos Street, Hing Lung Street, Tung Man much more to the Hongkong public and musical? Of course it is. For the $12 session of 200 taels of prepared Street, Wing On Street, Gilman Street attracted much greater patroongo than of the pless Finngkong in one of the mos other than Government opium.
Gilman's Bazaar, Wing Kut Street, Wing
a grand opera company composed of bigh
Bays
musical ports of the East, and compares
A Chinese Ravenue Officer deposed that
Wo Street and Wing Sing Street. These class musicians and vocalists that most favourably with any of the others on Friday last at about 8.30 p.m. he went.
packed houses for the revue and musical theatre for the high class musical enter comedy, and almost the more walls of the
tainments seemed to be the natural hap pening in Hongkong. These facts led
Your correspondent is not right to cast a travelling comedy opera company can slur on our little island by stating that
fill the theatre night after night when a badly advertised concert party cannot.
streets are public thoroughfares from Des Vœux Road to Queen's Road Central The hawkers are not only causing an ob struction, but they make all the neigh bourhood inaanitary Why do not the Police or the Sanitary officers take stens the writer to condemn the Colony as being Several reasons must be taken into con Officer and that he was there to search the
in the matter Yours, etc.,
PEDESTRIAN
EMPIRE TAY AT SWATOW,
HIGHLY SUCCESSFUL GARDEN FETE.
FROM A CORRESPONDENT
SWATOW, May 27th.
** decidedly not musical.”
The experiences of Music Lover are by no means novel, and on more. than one occasion it has been deplored in the Press that really high class companies
of the classical music standard have re-
coived support which, compared with the large audiences which have favoured the revue and musical comedy, could only be described as absolutely wretched.
With a view to discovering expert
We were lucky in having a very fine. day for our Empire Day eclebration opinion on the subject a Daily Press
sideration. One must not forget that we all work very hard here, and the only way we have of getting free from our work and worries is to go in for the test and musergent call it harmless recreation if you like-offered to us by going to bear
the now comedy opera pieces which we have heard so mach about from our friends, and also read about in the Homs papers. We may be a little slow here, but we certainly are responsive. Our
alongside the defendant's boat, which was be approached the defendant's boat the anchored at Yaumati Bay, and that as
latter asked him what he wanted and the reply given was that he was a Revenua
spe
boat. He alleged that the defendant pushed the parcel containing the opium overboard and that subsequently they dredged the vicinity of the heat and found the opium.
called testifying to the fact that the boat For the defence, several witnesses wero
found therein and that the Revenite Off- of defendant's boat and found the parcel cer subsequently dredged near the vicinity.
was properly searched and nothing was
"The British ships in the harbour werepresentative interviewed several focal public will always respond to anything of opium 30 feet away from defendant's all dressed for the occasion and gir musicians, who were invited to give their artistic in the musical line. I have only boat at the stern of another sampan.
sented a very gay appearance, while ensigns and streamers were flying from most of the hongs and wharves. There
was a cool breeze from the East and with all the flags gaily fluttering Swac had a quite festive look..
opinions of the views expressed by
Music Lover"
A well-known local expert said that the latter of Music Lover" savoured of sour grapes, and went on to say that it was very wrong to condemn Hongkong as
to refer you to the fortnightly concerts held some years ago when we had an amateur orchestra both on the Volunteer Heat uarters' ground, and also in the City Hall The music played on theso occasions was both of the light and classi
His worship disbelieved the story of the defence, and, in faing the defendant the sum of $20,000, or 12 months' hurd labour in default, said that he had no
The event of the day was the garden not being musical when there were so cal kind; from Mendelssohn, Greig, Beetroceived $2 or 3 for conveying the opium.
fete organised by the local branch of the Patriotic League of Britons Overseas, in Fesponse to the world wide appeal issued from the headquarters of the League and the Overseas Club for collections on behalf of the British Red Cross Society and the Order of St. John of Jerusalem (in England) to be made on Empire Day
this year
many facts to the contrary if one oven, etc., to the latest music hall tinkle. only gave the matter some amount
Take again the weekly concerts given in of thought. He absolutely could not the Public Gardens last year by the agree that Hongkong, wholly is not Police Reserve. The public turned up in musicalOne could always depend upon
their thousands, which proves that what
doubt defendant was a tool in the hands of some smugglers and that he probably
Mr. Leo d'Almada (who represented de fendant) made a strong protest against the big fine, saying that with the pro
undeal respect, as a British advocate pleading in a British Court before a Bri-
FURNISHING
FABRICS.
JUST TO HAND
CASEMENT CLOTÍS
WITH COLOURED BORDERS.
INEXPENSIVE. DAINTY, EFFECTIVE.
PLAIN
CASEMENT
CLOTHS
IN A VARIETY OF SHADES.
FULL RANGE OF BORDERS TO MATCH
CRETONNES LINENS AND TAFETAS.
SUN
ALL ABOVE MATERIALS
ARE
FAST AND TUB FAST.
PATTERNS ON APPLICATION.
LANE, CRAWFORD & CO.
work. There is no doubt we were slow inish Magistrate, he thought that British HONGKONG,
at least 200 really musical people being we all want here is relaxation from our Present at a classical concert at least that had been his experience. It was wrong to condemn any place as not The fete was held in the grounds of being musical simply on the fact of the British Consulate, kindly lent for audiences. He had known really great the occasion by Mr. H. F. King, and musicians visit the Colony and be favour lasted from 4 o'clock to 7 o'clock p.m.,ed with such meagre support that they the large lawn being tastefully decorated with flags and lanterns.
The charge for entrance and tea was inclusive and children were invited from
of charge. Some 200 people were present,
and those responsible for the various
attending the concerts given by the Hum phrey Bishop Company, but I think you will agree with me that the company arrived here badly advertised, and I do not think they had anything to complain of when we did respond, if one is to judge had come to him and exclaimed, The by the crowded audiences in the Victoria people here are evidently only keen on Theatre. Exactly the same thing hap rag-time tinkle.'' On such occasions he had I made bold to defend the Colony, and had suggested to these big men that the programme they had selected was a
poned when the Quaints visited us They had crowded hikes towards the and of their first visit, after they were known, and when they visited us for a second
stells and side-shows spent a very busy rong one and not suited to the tastes ofimo from the North there was not much
afternoon.. In addition to such amuse- muats as Bran Pie, Aunt Sally, Coco nut Shies, Shooting Gallery, Fortune. Telling, etc., there were competitions for Jadies, gentlemen, **and children with suitable prizes for the winners. A number -of useful and attractive articles were presented to be auctioned or raffled, and these realised over $1,000
Hongkong people......... There was classical masic and classical music, and in pretting room at any of their performances Paring a classical concert for Hongkong
But what of the classical music! one had to be exceedingly careful to avoid
You will find that it is not everybody classical music which made people yawn.
who likes the so-called classical style of They could have dry-as dust classical 50 you m
music, so you must not blame them if music and classical music which was also they are not that way inclined. It is bright and vivacious; and the two had not a fault if anyone cares for something to be nicely blended. When this was the which can be understood, appreciated. case a Hongkong audience was thoroughly and enjoyed. London and other such appreciative, and such programmes never big places, I admit, have their class failed to attract
I concerts, but they have their millions The great thing in selecting a musical programme is to to draw upon, and it would not be fair know your audience, and the lack of this to infer that Hongkong where we have knowledge by really great musicians who only hundreda, is not musical; apart have visited this Colony and gone away from the Chiness of course. Then disgusted has resulted in the poor again, we suffer here from the climate, audience. Many people, when deciding and our work In the evening we re a classical programme, seem to be of the
equire relaxation from our mundane
Cal
Tea was served at numerous small tables by a number of ladies, under the direction of Mrs King, most of whom were attired as Red Cross nurses. The raffe stall was in charge of Mre. Wyatt Smith, assisted by Mr. Holdsworth, and Dr. Brangwin. Messrs. Hodgson and Morimoto were among the lucky winners of prizes Mr. Forbes acted as auctioneer for the day, and among the various lots gold, eight tins of Westminster cigarettes, opinion that nothing but the highest of labours. I am certain that so long as the Presented by the British and American the high will do. Well, I myself have Hongkong public are given what they can Tobacco Co., realised $100. The Aunt often heen bored to death by this highest understand and enjoy they will come Sally
was under the direction of of the high music. Very often it con- Meagre J. Young and Fr Bisseker, and taina nothing which touches you, and the spar fighting was controlled by there is none of that gentle response to Mr. Brownrigg. Mr. Brownrigg contest the music itsell any of the most sim ed the final with Mr. Barker and was ple classical tema do contain that inde- declared the winner by Mr. Lay, who finable something which touches
was acting as judge.
ulong in great numbers. You have to suit your audience every time. If not you annot expect the audience to suit
Justice should be administered in this as
in every other case. He called his wor ship's attention to the fact that in the case
of Sam Newman, who was churged with worth of opium, the man was only fined $1,000 He did not see the difference be
and crimes committed by foreigners. He tween, trimes committed by a Chinaman
did not hold a brief for the Chinese com munity but he certainly thought that Justice should be administered by the Court to all parties without distinction.
His worship said that there were ex tenuating circumstances in Sam New man's case. ~
unlawful possession of about $80,000
Ar. d'Almada-He was a tool, in the hands of others, as this unfortunate bost- man was, and I don't know of other ex- tenuating circumstances.
His worship said he was inclined to re duce the fine to $10,000
Mr. d'Almada-That is just as exces
si Bive.
inally his worship upheld the fine of 820,000, but reduced the imprisonment to nite months. by
In the heavy summer weather you can- real zest, and thus, when the musical no bring your pupils to study WILA any
season comes around, they are for too platform. I have other pupils who, when backward to be placed on the concert they are supposed to be giving all their thoughts to music, are at the same time thinking of how they can so improve their golf as to defeat, bogey, and how they will shape in a tennis contest with to vanquish. Often, when I have been someone whom they would dearly love listening for the Taults of my pupil she has turned sharply around and put question to me as to the possibilitins of a certain stroke at golf, or the effective ness or otherwise of a particular tennis service, What
can you do with people Hongkong people, as a whole, be said, like this? If people cannot realise the do not appreciate good music, simply simple beauty of Bach and Mozart, how "Can you seriously expect them to relish because they have no time, or say they the maudhin majesty of Strauss ? the cessful with a concert one has to know
Been have no time, for it and you have to have other thing has to be remembered when
sponsive chord in every member of the For the ladies there was a Limerick audience, and even in the musician Competition, which was won by Miss himself. When this happens the success Lanning The prize was presented by Mr Edwards
of a concert is assured. And to be suc-
you,
Professor Danenberg gave it as his opinion that Hongkong is anything but
musical in the classical sense of the word.
you
Ап
CANTON, MACAO &
WEST RIVER STEAMERS. JOINT SERVICE OF THE HONGKONG, CANTON AND MACAU STEAMBOAT CO. LTD., AND CHINA NAVIGATION CO., LTD.
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THURSDAY, 17 JUNE 1916
78 cm, HEUNGSHAN,
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ON FRIDAY, 2ND JUNE, 1916. HEUNGSHAN.
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MACAO TO HONGKONG
Wenk daya si 7,30 am, and 2 pm, Sundays at 7.30 am, and 3 pm, EXCURSION TO MACAO.
SUNDAY, 3RD JUNE, 1916.
The Company's Now Bioasshly:
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FARES AS USUAL,
MACAO-CANTON LINE.
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Ons of the above Steamers leaves Chardon for Washow every Monday Wednesday-ara Friday, at about 8 m., and the other learan Wushow for Canton on the same days at 8.30 savi Round tripu take about 5 days. Pengon can return to Hongkong or vice versa by the direct Bloomers LINTAN BANUL Thees venela hava superion Cablaj Booking Omme open dally (Bunday exerted) 9 am, to 5 ye Fariber parkioules may be obtained at the Office of the
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Hotel Mansion (Flask Floor), opposite bad Bhika Plers
In the children's department, bran pis" was under the superinten those little items and see to it that they dence of Mrs. Lay, while Mr. kept a watchful over the cork-fshing figure on the programme. I have known a certain amount of time in which to condemn Hongkong no not being Company red home throughouls skobriety, Electris Fall ist nache Cabine
The fortune-tellers-Mrs. Barker and really great musicians condemn Hong learn to appreciate classical music Mr. Brangwin were, of course, patron ised by all. Patriotic badges made of kong as being anything but musical, but People go to their places of business, red, white and blue ribbons were sold at I am not convinced. This expert added 81 cach, and Mrs. Macgowan splendid trade in these. MJ that when one could always depend upon Edwards and Mr. J. H. R. Hauce had 200 people being present at a classical charge of the shooting gallery and concert in a Colony with Hongkong Forbes had charge of the
of the fancy goods European population it seemed some
did
cocoanat shy, respectively, and Mis
Astall: 2:
A
sarily well blessed with this world'e goods, and they cannot afford to pay 22 of 83 to listen to the music which they work hard all day, and in the evening would love to hear. When I have given liking, it must be light music of the with a full house; but when I have had if they are to be entertained to their free concerts I have always been favoured revue and musical comedy nature. Light to make a charge to prevent loss to myself BEFORE music of this kind provides them with the response has never been gratifying. for when the day's work is done. A good Police Reserve band the necessary relaxation, which they look You have an instance of this in the concerts The To what idle to claim that the place was dinner, a good cigar, and a good laugh, highest price charg
twenty to a close by the singing of Rule
very pleasant afternoon was brought entirely lacking in appreciation of really and their cup of enjoyment is full. Your cents, and, 25 you know the gardens were Britannia and God Save the King classical music, and only thought of "the in a commercial Colony like Hongkong Then your candid opinion i
cannot expect - classical music to thrive crowded at each entertainment.
is that Hong- The fete was generally considered to inanity of the revue and musical gain, very few boys are taught musis kong can never become musical, or be robloge in the schools here, and the girls or the fanght to appreci classical music in He claimed that he could big majority of them take up jusic the
mariner as amounted to over 82,250 Mes, have been select a programme composed entirely of merely as a hobby, they have no iden remitted to League
the
and musical comed Headquarters in the shape of a draft for £240, classical music which would always at
The Colony The same evening the British
Shangharthough who had been well represented at the
tract sumply because he knew Hong it. And d of 100 of my pupils, for instance, commercial, is much more musical simply fete in the afternoon, held an Empire
kong. His motto was
Komple but three per cent. are males; and the cause they have t Bcomopolitan com Day dinner at the Chen Kwen Lim your audien
ladies only seem to desire to make them--munity- rench, Italians and the like, Restaurant when an additional am of came here would only condescend to re not create an appre
If the big men who selves proficient in light music. You can who
of good music. They- 3170 way collected for the Red Cross Fund ceive suggestions
igh class bay
concerta each week, and and $85 for the Overseas Club Tobacco
music when you have people like that, these are always well åttended Hong sicians 28
you know.. The climate of Hongkong is kong will neve to the programme best suited to a Hong-
be like Shanghai in this also an enemy of the better class music respect,
have been a complete success from every point of view, and the proceeds, which comedy.
Fund.
musician KNOW
The men, of course hardly ever think of mercial of soaring beyond common-place masic.
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ON A HOLIDAY
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