LITERARY SOCIETIES
Literary, scientific and debating Societies have flourished in Hongkong since the days of Capt. Elliott. Almost invariably, their activities have been of a sporadic nature, and one after another they have died for want of a leader or from a dearth of speakers.
The present English Association, formed as recently as September 30, 1930, is the successor to a host of similar Societies, the history of which goes back to the formation of a branch of the Royal Asiatic Society in Hongkong on January 15, 1847.
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The Royal Asiatic Society had the official patronage and keen approval of Sir John Davis, during the term he administered the Government of Hongkong. Papers were delivered regularly and debates on a variety of subjects organised.
It was at a meeting of this Society, held on August 8, 1848, that the idea of laying out Botanical Gardens in Hongkong was first mooted. Dr. Gutzlaff made the suggestion, but it was felt that action along these lines would be premature and the matter was allowed to drop.
Reference to the Royal Asiatic Society drops out of the records in the late fifties, up to which time it did useful work.
Members
Then in 1864 the Hongkong Literary Society was formed. ... flocked to join its ranks and for a while it prospered. It collapsed a few years later, to be brought to life again in 1872. The undertaking was inaugurated in the presence of the Governor (Sir A.E. Kennedy) by a lecture, "Hongkong Reminiscences", delivered by Dr. Legge. This was followed by four other lectures by Dr. Dennys ("Folklore"), Dr. Eitel ("Fengshui"), Mr. J.J. Francis ("Jesuitism"), and Mr. J.W. Torrey ("American Humorists").
Enthusiasm soon waned, however, and the Hongkong Literary Society passed temporarily out of existence. In 1880, the Anglo-Chinese Debating Society was formed, but it too perished for want of support.
In 1888, however, a determined effort was made to infuse new life into the skeleton of the Hongkong Literary Society. A meeting was called, and the Chairman, Dr. Cantlie, addressing the group of enthusiasts, said that acting on past experience they might organise a Society which would last a little longer. Its chief object, he said, should be getting a circulating library, as the only one in the Colony at that time was in the Hongkong Club, of which not every one could afford to be a member. Some dozen young ladies, said Dr. Cantlie, had organised a Reading Club and surely they should encourage the sterner sex to emulate their example. The other objects might be the encouragement of the reading of papers, discussions on all kinds of subjects, the organisation of reading parties at members' homes, and a general interchange of opinion.
Dr. Cantlie read a draft of proposed rules to show the lines on which the Society might be conducted, and in conclusion he moved that a Society be formed.
Mr. Judd suggested that a branch of the Royal Asiatic Society might be affiliated with it, but this amendment was not seconded.
Mr. Legge seconded the original motion and it was carried unanimously. Mr. Dyer-Ball proposed Dr. Cantlie as President and Mr. Whitehead seconded; the invitation was declined. Mr. Legge then moved Dr. Chalmers' election, which Dr. Ho Kai seconded. Dr. Chalmers preferred to remain a ...
LITERARY BOCIETIES
Literary, scientific and debating Societies have flourished in Hongkong since the days of Capt. Elliott. Almost invariably, their activities have been of a sporadic nature, and one after another they have died for want of a leader or from a dearth of speakers.
The present English Association, formed as recently as September 30, 1930, is the successor to a host of similar Societies, the history of which goes back to the formation of a branch of the Royal Asiatic Society in Hongkong on January 15, 1847.
637
dores.
The Royal Asiatic Society had the official patronage and keen approval of Sir John Davis, during the term he administered the Government of Hongkong. Papers were delivered regularly and debates on a variety of subjects organised.
It was at a meeting of this Society, held on August 8, 1848, that the idea of laying out Botanical Gardena in Hongkong was first mooted. Dr. Gutzlaff made the suggestion, but it was felt that action along these lines would be premature and the matter was allowed to drop.
Reference to the Royal Asiatic Society drops out of the records in the late fifties, up to which time it did useful work.
Members
Then in 1864 the Hongkong Literary Society was formed. flocked to join its ranks and for a while it prospered. It collapsed a few years later, to be brought to life again in 1872. The undertaking was inaugurated in the presence of the Governor (Sir A.E. Kennedy) by a lecture, "Hongkong Reminiscences", delivered by Dr. Legge. This was followed by four other lectures by Dr. Dennys ("Forklore"), Dr. Eitel ("Fengshui"), Mr.J.J. Francis ("Jesuitism"), and Mr.J.W. Torrey ("American Humorista").
Enthusiasm soon waned, however, and the Hongkong Literary Society passed temporarily out of existence. In 1880, the Anglo-Chinese Debating Society was formed, but it too perished for want of support.
In 1888, however, a determined effort was made to infuse new life into the skeleton of the Hongkong Literary Society. A meeting was called, and the Chairman, Dr. Cantlie, addressing the group of enthusiasts, said that acting on past experience theymight organise a Society which would last a little longer. Its chief object, he said, should be getting a circulating library, as the only one in the Colony at that timewas in the Hongkong Club, of which not every one could afford to be a member. Some dozen young ladies, said Dr. Cantlie, had organised a Reading Club and surely they should encourage the sterner sex to emulate their example. The other objects might be the encouragement of the reading of papers, discussions on all kinds of subjects, the organisation of reading parties at members' homes, and a general interchange of opinion.
Dr. Cantlie read a draft of proposed rules to show the lines on which the Society might be conducted, and in conclusion he moved that a Society to formed.
Mr. Judd suggested that a branch of the Royal Asiatic Society might be affiliated with it, but this amendment was not seconded.
Mr. Legge seconded the original motion and it was carried unanimously. Mr.Dyer-Ball proposed Dr. Cantlie as President and Mr. Whitehead seconded, by the invitation was declined. Mr. Legge then moved Dr. Chalmers' election, which Dr. Ho Kai seconded. Dr. Chalmers preferred to remain a
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