CO129-442 - Governor Sir May - 1917 [4-6] — Page 215

N: 158.

C.O. 32953

TREE

(kaut 13 M/

GOVERNMENT HOUSE.

HONGKONG. 10th. May, 1917.

213

1

sir,

I have the honour to address you on the subject

of the grant of a site for a building in which to house the

Europeon Young Men's Christian Association instituted in this

Colony about 13 years ago on my initiative.

2.

Prior to the outbreak of war the association was

housed in rooms in a central position in Victoria for which the

heavy rent of 8900 a month was paid. The members in July, 1914

numbered 170, composed of mercantile marine officers and men —

and especially young men-in various walks of life, who, speaking

generally, could not afford to join the Hongkong Club.

After the outbreak of war the membership fell

rapidly owing to large numbers leaving the Colony to join His

Majesty's Armies; and the association had to move into much small-

er rooms, which it had eventually to give up, being now without any premises whatever.

3.

Last year the premises of the German Club, upon

which there was a mortgage, come into the market through

foreclosure and the project was conceived of raising funds by

Public subscription to acquire these premises. On exccination, the proposition proved too costly, and the Directors of the

Association turned their attention to a less expensive scheme for which they were successful in raising by subscription from the public

20..

THE RIGHT HONOURABLE

WALTER LONG, M. P.,

&.c..

Lo..