QUEEN'S ROAD (PREPARED FOR ILLUMINATION).
29
(5)
Among the most striking sights, in addition to these, the following may be mentioned:-The Clock Tower, designed by Richard N. Buckle, Esq., R.E., A.D.C. to His Excellency the Governor, to which by general consent the palm of superiority was awarded. Four thousand lamps of various colours threaded the entire outline of this structure, giving it the appearance of being set with precious stones; The Post Office, which was entirely illuminated with gas, very much to the surprise of the native population, some of the juvenile members of which were seen placing their fingers in the burning jets apparently for the purpose of ascertaining whether it was capable of producing the same sensations
as the fire with which they were more familiar in their own humble dwellings; The Hongkong Club and the Club Germania; the former distinguished by three lanterns of immense size, and finely painted, and which, it is said, so completely exceeded the fondest hopes of the unreflecting manufacturer that they proved too large to be taken out
of his house without removing the whole shop front; the latter having an allegorical figure on a white ground, with the German Arms on one side and those of Great Britain
on the other. The house of Messrs. Sassoon & Co., attracted much attention; the Galatea under sail was represented in a transparency in the centre, and over this were the words "Welcome to our Alfred," surmounted by the "Star of India," which decoration is worn by one of the members of this celebrated firm. The entire building occupied by Messrs. Smith, Archer & Co., was covered with small Chinese lamps with coloured shades. In the centre was a large "A," and on either side of the upper verandah were two large transparencies, one of the Royal Arms, and the other the Arms of the United States. A portrait of Her Majesty, with the motto "God Bless the Empress of India," drew deserved attention to the house
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Page 31
QUEEN'S ROAD (PREPARED FOR ILLUMINATION).
29
(5)
Among the most striking sights, in addition to these, the following may be mentioned:-The Clock Tower, designed by Richard N. Buckle, Esq., R.E., A.D.C. to His Excellency the Governor, to which by general consent the palm of superiority was awarded. Four thousand lamps of various colours threaded the entire outline of this structure, giving it the appearance of being set with precious stones; The Post Office, which was entirely illuminated with gas, very much to the sur- prise of the native population, some of the juvenile members of which were seen placing their fingers in the burning jets apparently for the purpose of ascertaining whether it was capable of producing the same sensations
as the fire with which they were more familiar in their own humble dwellings; The Hongkong Club and the Club Germania; the former distinguished by three lanterns of immense size, and finely painted, and which, it is said, so completely exceeded the fondest hopes of the unreflecting manufacturer that they proved too large to be taken out
of his house without removing the whole shop front; the latter having an allegorical figure on a white ground, with the German Arms on one side and those of Great Britain
on the other. The house of Messrs. Sassoon & Co., attracted much attention; the Galatea under sail was represented in a transparency in the centre, and over this were the words "Welcome to our Alfred," surmounted by the "Star of India," which decoration is worn by one of the members of this celebrated firm. The entire building occupied by Messrs. Smith, Archer & Co., was covered with small Chinese lamps with coloured shades. In the centre was a large "A," and on either side of the upper verandah were two large transparencies, one of the Royal Arms, and the other the Arms of the United States. A portrait of Her Majesty, with the motto "God Bless the Empress of India," drew deserved attention to the house
1
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