182
CITY HALL (4) Continuation.
has also a librarian without, we are sorry to say, a similar prospect of receiving with it any funds towards its restoration. The most indifferent to literature can hardly regard a well-appointed public library without some feeling of pride in its general character, and Hongkong will, we are sure, be no exception to the rule.
"Similarly, the Museum if heartily supported by gifts or loan, cannot fail to become a popular and interesting institution. We are scarcely afraid that a lack of material will be the chief drawback. It is rather probably that, in its early days, many objects will find therein a temporary resting place which in its more mature state would be summarily rejected. It must be borne in mind however that such an institution must mainly depend upon the public themselves for its success. In national museums, with ample funds at their disposal, the Government takes the place of the public. In colonies where Government help is limited to comparatively trifling aid, the public alone make their success or failure. But the opportunity is now afforded to Hongkong of placing herself at the head of literary and scientific effort in China. Vigorous steps are in process of being taken to resuscitate the "China Branch of the Royal Asiatic Society" (it would be a pity to drop the title even if somewhat vain-glorious it having once acquired standing and acknowledgment from the parent Society) and its objects will be much advanced by the departments under notice.
"While we confess to a greater interest in these three other uses of the new building cannot be overlooked. The theatre alone, from its size, finish, accessibility and convenience, will become immensely popular and will almost galvanize our semi-moribund society into life. To be able to visit a place of public entertainment and find ample room for conveyances, entrances constructed to allow a minimum of crush and ventilation enough for the largest audience will in itself be a delightful novelty and Sir R. MacDonnell's Geese at the opening of the Hongkong Hotel will be fancy hardly apply to the public-spirited colonists who have supplied the want so long felt of a "City Hall" But a short period is necessary for its completion when we may hope to see their efforts rewarded by a prompt recognition of its usefulness."
In time the Colony might again have a City Hall, Theatre, Library and Museum housed in a new civic centre: meanwhile we can ponder how passing years bring new visions of what constitutes adequate and worthy public institutions.
**
From the City Hall to the fountain opposite the building is a natural step. The Fountain is no more, and the Government is not going to re-erect it elsewhere. There is nowhere wise where it could be placed and in any case, the recurrent dearth of water in the Colony precludes the use of the structure as a fountain. For this reason, it had ceased to spout for a number of years; so it was of no use except as a rather doubtful ornament. Yet it has a great historical interest and at one time was looked upon with much pride by the citizens of Hongkong. That was in the days when the small community took pride in its City
182
CITY HALL (4) Continuation.
has also librarian withouth, we are sorry to say, a similar prospect of receiving with it any funds towards its resto- ration. The most indefferent to literature can hardly re- gard a well-appointed public library without some feeling of pride in its general character, and Hongkong will, we are sure, be no exeption to the rule.
"Similarly, the Museum if heartily supported by gifts or loan, cannot fail to become a popular and interest- ing institution. We are scarcely afraid that a lack of material will be the chief drawback. It is rapher probably that, in its early days, many objects will find therein a temporary resting place which in its more mature state would be summarily rejected. It must be borne in mind however that such an institution must mainly depend upon the public themselves for its success. In national museums, with ample funds, at their disposal, the Government takes the place of the public. In colonies where Government help is limited to comparatively trifling aid, the public alone make their success or failure. But the opportunity is now afforded to Hongkong of placing herself at the head of literary and scientific effor in China. Vigorous steps are in process of being taken to resuscitate the " China Branch of the Royal Asiatic Society" (it would be a pity to drop the title even if somewhat vain-glorious it having once acquired stand ing and acknowledgment from the parent Society) and its objects will be much advanced by the departments under notice.
" While we confess to a greater interest in these tre other uses of the new building cannot be overlooked. The theatre alone, from its size, finish accessibility and convenience, will become immensely popular and will almost galvanize our semi-moribund society into life. To be able to visit a place of public entertainment and find ample room for conveyances, entrances constructed to allow a minimum of crush and ventilation enough for the largest audience will in itself be a delighful novelty and Sir. R. MacDonnell's Geese at the opening of the Hongkong Hotel will be fancy hardly apply to the public-spirited colonies who have supplied the want so long felt of a " City Hall " But a short period is necessary for its completion when we may hope to see their efforts rewarded by a prompt recogni- tion of its usefulness. "
In time the Colony might again have a City Hall, Theatre Library and Museum housed in a new civic centre: meanwhile we can ponder how passing years bring new visions of what constitutes adequate and worthy public institutions.
**
From the City Hall to the fountain opposite the building is a natural step. The Fountain is no more, and the Government is not going to 're-erect it elsewhere. There is nowhere wise where it could be place and in any case,
the recurrent dearth of water in theColony precludes the use of the structure as a fountain. Forthis reason it had ceased to spout for a number of years; so it was of no use except as a rather doubteful ornament. Yet is has a great historical interest and at one time was looked upon with much pride by the citizens of Hongkong. That was in the days when the small community took pride in its City
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