183
CITY HALL FOUNTAIN.
Hall centre of the civic activities of a growing world port, and its Theatre Royal, then considered, rightly entirely up-to-date and even ornate. With the rapid growth of the city, the change of outlook, and the advance of architectural ambition, the civic pride became dulled, and almost disappeared. The fountain remained in the way of traffic, dirty, the resort of ragged loungers, and dead. But it was a link with the rapidly disappearing past of Hongkong, and it is a pity to lose.
The donor of this fountain was Mr. John Dent, a merchant, head of the now defunct firm bearing his name. He gave the fountain to the "people of Hongkong" in perpetuity so that you and I were part owners thereof. Not that we ever bothered about our ownership! The centre was ornamental in its way, with draped female figures in a graceful attitude, supporting the basin. The few steps leading up to it were guarded at the four corners by couchant lions, who appeared to be facing the principal points of the compass. An inscription on a tablet notified all who took the trouble to read it that the fountain had been presented to the public of this Colony by Mr. John Dent, in 1864.
It will probably be recalled that on the occasion of the visit by H.R.H. the Duke of Gloucester in 1929, there was talk of this old fountain being made to flow just for the period that he would be in its vicinity, but there was an outcry against the idea, apparently an official plan, owing to the serious drought from which the Colony was then suffering and the idea was abandoned.
What memories did the old fountain retain for residents? How many fair ladies and gallant men must have paused there, returning from opera or ball, perhaps admiring the play of moonlight on its delicate spray. How many revellers in the early hours of the morning after the night before of some annual national celebration, may have found the waters delightfully refreshing or the steps a convenient place to rest awhile! It is well to remember that on that spot, where in the months to come will appear the imposing rear facade of the Hongkong and Shanghai Banking Corporation's new head office, stood the Colony's own fountain.
183
CITY HALL FOUNTAIN.
Hall centre of the civic activities of a growing world port, and its Theatre Royal, then considered, rightly entirely up-to-date and even ornate. With the rapid growth of the city, the change of outlook, and the advance of archi tectural ambition, the civic pride became dulled, and almost disappeared. The fountain remainded in the way of traffic, dirty, the resort of ragged loungers, and dead " But it was a link with the rapidly disappearing past of Hongkong with it is a pity to lose.
The donor of this fountain was Mr. John Dent, a merchant, head of the now defunct firm bearing his name. He gave the fountain to the " people of Bongkong" in petuity so taht you and I were part owners thereof. Not that we ever bothered about our ownership! The centre was ornamental in its way, with draped female figures in a graceful attitude, supporting the basin. The few steps leading up to it were guarded at the four corner by couchant lions, who appeared to be facing to the principal points of the compass. An inscription on a tablet notified all who took the trouble to read it that the fountain had been presented to the public of thiş Colony by Mr. John Dent, in 1864.
It will probably be recalled that on the occasion of the visit by H.R.H. the Duke of Gloucester in 1929, there was talk of this old fountain being made to fount just for the period that he would be in its vicinity, but there was an outcry against the idea apparently an official plan ) owing to the serious drought from which the Colony was then suffering and the idea was abandoned.
What memories did the old fountain retain for residants 7 How many fair ladies and gallant men must have paused ther, returning from opera or ball, perhaps admiring the play of moonlight on its delicate spray. How many revellers in the early hours of the morning after the night before of some annual national celebra- tion, may have found the waters delighfully refreshing or the steps a convenient place to rest awhile ! It is well to remember that on that spot, where in the months to come will appear the imposing rear facade of the Hongkong and Shanghai Banking Corporation's new head office, and stood the Colony's own fountain.
No comments yet.
Private notes are available after approval.