Directory_and_Chronicle_1887 — Page 273

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HONGKONG.

The chief religious buildings are: S. John's Cathedral (Anglic in), which occupies a commanding site above the Parale Ground, and is a Gothic church of considerable size but with few pretensions to a chitecture. It has a square tower, with pinnacles, over the western porch, and possesses a peal of bells. A handsome stained window in the east end, over the altar, is the chief adornment f the interior. S. Peter's (Seamen's) Church, 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 Taipingshan, is a plain building with a bell turret.

building with a bell turret. Union Church is a pleasing edifice in the Italian style of architecture, with a spire, and contains accom- modation for about 500 persons, but owing to lack of financial support has had no regu- lar pastor since August 31st, 1884. The Roman Catholic Cathedral, now partially erected, is situated in Glenealy ravine, near the Public Gardens, and when completed will be a fine structure in the Gothic style. S. Joseph's Church, in Garden Road, is a neat editice 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. S. Joseph's College, a school for boys managed by the Christian Brothers, occupies a large and handsome building on a commanding site in the centre of the city. The Roman Catholics possess a Reformatory for Chinese boys and several charitable and educational institutions, which are very efficiently managed. Other denominations likewise support establishments of the same character, conspicuous among which are the Diocesan Home and Orphanage, the German Foundling House, Baxter Vernacular School, & ̈.

The Protestant, Roman Catholic, Parsee, and Mahomedan Cemeteries occupy sites in Wong-nai Chung Valley, and are kept in good order. The Protestant Cemetery is almost a rival to the Public Gard ns, being admirably laid out and charmingly situated.

There are several Clubs in the Colony. The principal are the Hongkong Club, the Club Germania, in Wyndham Street, the Lusitano Club in Shelley Street, and the Masonic Club in Icehouse Street. There is a R creation Club, which possesses Bath and Boat houses on the Praya near the Cricket Ground, a Cricket Club, a Rifle Association, and a Yacht Club, all kept up with considerable spirit.

On

The annual races are held at the latter and of February, under the auspices of the Hongkong ockey Club, on the Race Course in Wong-nai Chung Valley, at the east end of the town, a beautiful spot enclosed by fir-clad hills. 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 har bour, but it does not evoke the same entusiasm as the races. Athletic Sports are also got up every year by the residents and 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 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 merchant vessels. The Hongkong and Whampoa Dock Company, Limited, have three extensive establish- ments, two at Kowloon, the other at Aberdeen. The Docks of this company are fitted with all the best appliances for engine ring and carpenter's work, and are seldom empty. Their docks are of the following dimensions:-Kowloon:-No. 1 dock-Length over all, 340 feet; breadth at entrance, 74 feet; depth over sill at ordinary spring tides, 18 feet. No. 2 dock-Length over all, 245 feet; breadth at entrance, 49 feet; depth, 13 feet. Patent Slip-Length over all, 250 feet; breadth, 60 feet; depth, 11 feet. Tai Kok Tsui: Cosmopolitan dock-Length over all, 465 feet; breadth at entrance, 85 feet; depth, 20 feet. Aberdeen: Hope dock-Length over all, 433 feet; badth at entrance, 84 feet; depth, 24 feet, Lamont dock-Length over all, 340 feet; breadth, 64 feet; depth, 16 feet. Another fine and commodious dock is in course of