Directory_and_Chronicle_1879 — Page 202

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HONGKONG.

substantial and spacious. The Central Market is a dirty and inconvenient place, which is entirely given up to the natives owing to its repulsive condition. The Clock Tower, near Peddar's Wharf, was erected by public subscription in 1862, and the illuminated clock was presented to the Colony by the firm of Douglas: Lapraik & Co.

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The chief religions buildings are: S. John's Cathedral (Anglican), which occupies a commanding site above the Parade Ground, and is a Gothic church of considerable size but with few pretensions to architecture. It has a square tower, with pi..nacles, over the western porch, and possesses a peal of bells. S. Peter's (Seam n's) Church, at West Point, close to the Sailors' Home, is a neat Gothic erection with a spire. S. Stephen's (native) Church, in Taipingshan, is a plain building with a bell turr. t. Union Church is a pleasing edifice in the Italian style of architecture, with a spire, and contains accommodation for about 500 persons. The Roman Catholic Cathedral, in Wellington Street, is a remarkably plain but commodious structure with small twin domes. S. Joseph's Church, in Garden Road, is a neat edifice erected in 1876 on the site of one destroyed by the great typhoon of 1874; and there are several smaller mission churches. There is also a Jewish Synagogue in Hollywool Road, and a Mahome lan Mo-que in Mosque Street. The Roman Catholics possess a Reformatory for Chinese boys and several charitable and education l institutions, which are very efficiently managed. Other denominations likewise support several establishments of the same character, conspicuous among which are the Diocesan Home and Orphanage, the German Foundling House, Baxter Vernacular Schools, &c. The Anglican, Roman Catholic, Parsee, and Mahomedan Cemeteries occupy sit s in Wong-nai Chung Valley, and are kept in good orler. The Anglican cemetery is almost a rival to the Public Gardens, being admirably laid out and charmingly situated.

There are several Clubs in the Colony. The principal are the Hongkong Club, the Club Germania, and the Lusitano Club. The two latter have theatres attached to the Club-houses, in which amateur performances are occasionally given. There is a Recreation Club, which possesses Bath and Boat houses on the Praya near the Cricket Ground, a Cricket Club, and a Yacht Club, all kept up with much spirit.

The annual races are held at the latter end of February on the Race Course in Wong-nai Chung Valley, at the east end of the town, a bautiful spot enclosed by fir-crowned hills. On this occasion the whole colony makes holiday, and the stands and course are crowded with one of the most motley collections of humanity to be seen in any part of the world. Most of the races are run with North China ponies, but recently some Australian horses have ben introduced, and there is generally good sport. A regatta is held in December in the harbour, but it does not evoke the same enthusiasm as the races. Athletic Sports are also got up every year by the garrison, and occasional swimming matches and boat races take place. There is an Amateur Dramatic Club, the members of which give several performances in the City Hall Theatre during the season; and the Choral Society provides a series of Amateur Concerts in St. Andrew's Hall. The Regimental Band has now for some time given promenade after-dinner concerts in the Public Gardens about every fortnight during the summer, on which occasions the Gardens are illuminated with Chinese lanterns. In addition to the attempts made by the colonists to pro vide amusemen ́s, itinerart companies frequently visit Hongkong, and give a series of performances.

There is excellent Dock accommodation for the largest vessels. The Hongkong and Whampoa Dock Company, Limited, have two extensive establishments, one at Kowloon, the other at Ab rdeen. The Docks of this company are fitted with all appliances for engineering and carpenter's work, and a e sellom empty. The Cosmopolitan Dock is also a capacious dock 560 feet long, and is situated at Sam- shui Pò, in British Kowl on. There are two patent slips, and other smaller establishments at which ship-building is carried on, and some good sized steamers bave been launched in the Colony. Her Majesty's Naval Yard also con'ains machine

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