Directory_and_Chronicle_1882 — Page 229

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HONGKONG.

presents a good effect from the water. The Clock Tower, near Peddar's Wharf, was crected by public subscription in 1862, and the illuminated clock was presented to the Colony by the firm of Messrs. Douglas Lapraik & Co.

The chief religious buildings are: S. John's Cathedral (Auglican), which occupies a commanding site above the Parade Gr und, and is a Gothis church of considerable size but with few pretensions to architecture. It has a square tower, with pinnacles, over the western porch, and possesses a peal of bells. A bandsome stained window in the east end, over the altar, is the chief adornment of the interior. S. Peter's (Seamen's) Churcb, at West Point, close to the Sailors' Home, is a neat Gothic erection with a spire. It also has a stained glass window, presented in 1878. S. Stephen's (native) Church, in Taipingsha, is a plain building with a bell turret. 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. A site has been secured and plans made for a new Gothic building of much more imposing appearance and dimensions. 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 Catholic mission churches. There is also a Jewish Synagogue in Hollywood Road, and a Mahomedan Mosque in Mosque Street. The Roman Catholics possess a Reformatory for Chinese boys and several charitable and educational i stitutions, which are very efficiently managed. Other denomination s likewise support establishments of the same char etor, conspicuous among which are the Diocesan Home and Orphanage, the German Foundling House, Baxter Verna- cular School, &c.

Tie Protestant, Roman Catholic, Parsee, an! Mahomedan Cemeteries oce py sites in Wong-nai Chung Vall y, and are kept in good order. The Protestant Cenie- tery is almost a rival to the Public Gardens, being admirably laid out and charming- ly situated.

There are several Clubs in the Colony. The principal are the Hongkong Club, the Club Germania, and the Lusitano Club. There is a Recreation Club, wh`ch possesses Bath and Boat houses ou the Prava near the Cricket Ground, a Cricket Club, and a Yacht Club, all kept up with considerable spirit.

The annual races are held at the latter et d of February on the Race Course in Wong-nai Chung Valley, at the east end of the town, a beautiful sp t enclosed by fir-clad 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, 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. Atletic Sports are also got up every year by te garrison, and occasional swimming matches and boat races take place. There is an Amateur Dramatic Club, the in ubers of which give several performances in the City Hall Theatre during the season; and the Choral Society also provides a series of entertainments. In addition to the attempts made by the colonists to provide amusements, itinerant companies frequently visit Hongkong, and give performances.

There is excellent Dock accommodation for the largest vessels. The Hongkong and Whampoa Dock Company, Limited, have three ext nsive establishur nts, two at Kowloon, the other at Aberdeen. The Docks of this company are fitted with all appliances for engineering and carpenter's work, and are seldom empty. At the Aberden docks the argest ironclads and mail s eamers can be and are frequently docked. There are other establishments at which ship-building is carried on, aud some goo-l-sized steamers have been launched in the Colony. Her Majesty's Naval Yard likewise contains machine sheds and fitting shops on a large scale, and repairs can be effected to the machinery of the British meu-of war with great expedition.

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There are few good hotels in the Colony. The chief stablishments are the Hongkong Hotel, close to the Clock Tower, and the Stag, in Queen's Road, both of which are centrally situat d and provide good accommodation for travellers.