225
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25) Continuation.
"Mr. Bridges said that he believed no plan was at so early a stage digested, but during the course of the morning it had occurred to him individually, that perhaps the best plan would be to have a Club open to every one in the island, without any class distinction, for a limited period, and after such period had elapsed, members should be elected into the Club by ballot. He was anxious to disclaim most distinctly all idea of doing anything for any class what he did, he did for all, and he would not move another step in the matter if the benefits to be obtained were not open to all.
"Mr. Phillips observed, that as Society was organised here, the ballot was exceedingly objectionable. He gave Mr. Bridges full credit for a desire to render the Ground a place of recreation to the public generally; but in his (Mr. Phillips') opinion, that object would be frustrated by establishing the ballot. He had already heard of rumours afloat, that the project would be an exclusive affair, which impression he believed to be one great cause of the thin attendance at the meeting. Mr. Phillips' father remarked that he did not think Mr. Bridges had been sufficiently long in the Colony to enable him to judge of the evils attendant on the ballot; and he could not see why any one, when an obnoxious person was proposed as a member, should not state his objections openly, without having recourse to what he (Mr. Phillips) considered to be at all times objectionable, more particularly in the peculiar state of Society in Hongkong.
"Mr. Pollard suggested that the nomination of a certain number of members might be substituted for the ballot, but that other details should be left to the Committee.
"Mr. Shortrede could not understand what was meant by a Club and a Ballot in reference to this matter. The Ground, he supposed, would be patent to all who chose to use it for purposes of recreation, and if any portion of the inhabitants desired to form a Club for Cricket or any other game, they might lay down what rules they chose for themselves; but others would not be compelled to abide by them, or by any regulations that were not for the general benefit and intended to secure to all the proper use of the Ground. He thought with Mr. Phillips that the sentiments of the Meeting should be fully understood, and with Mr. Pollard that the Committee was the proper body to give effect to them.
"Mr. Campbell conceived it to be highly advisable it should be distinctly understood that the Ground was for the use of the community generally, and that none could be prevented from making a proper use of it.
"The Chairman (Mr. J. F. Edger) remarked that it was likely Government would or could give the Ground on any other terms; and after some farther conversation the matter dropped.
"Mr. Phillips then moved, 'That the Committee now appointed to make preliminary arrangements, submit their plans when matured to another Public Meeting', which motion was seconded by Mr. Pollard, and carried unanimously.
"Mr. Phillips' father proposed, 'That a subscription List be at once opened,' which motion was seconded by Mr. Snow and carried unanimously.
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25 ) Continuation.
"Mr. Bridges said that he believed no plan was at so early a stage digested, but during the course of the morning it had occurred to him individually, that perhaps the best plan would be to have a Club open to every one in the island, without any class distinction, for a limited period, and after such period had elapsed, members should be elected into the Club by ballot. He was anxious to disclaim most/ distinctly all idea of doing anything for any class what he did, he did for all, and he would not move another step' in the matter if the benefits to be obtained were not open to all.
" Mr. Phillips observed, that as Society was organised here, the ballot was exceedingly objectionable. He gave Mr. Bridges full credit for a desire to render the Ground a place of recreation to the public generally; but in his ( Mr. Phillips') opinion, that object would be frustrated by establishing the ballot. He had already heard of rumours afloat, that the project would be an exclusive affair, which impression he be-· lieved to be one great cause of the thin attendance. at the meeting. Mr. Phillips father remarked that he did not think Mr. Bridges had been sufficiently long in the Colony to enable him to judge of the evils attendant on the ballot; and he could not see why any one, when an obnoxious person was proposed as a member, should not state his objections openly, without having recourse to what he (Mr. Phillips) considered to be at all times objectionable, more particularly in the peculiar state of Society in Hongkong.
" Mr. Pollard suggested that the momination of a certain
auzber of members might be substituted for the ballot, but
that other details should be left to the Committee.
體 Mr. Shortrede could not uderstand what was meart by a Club and a Ballot in reference to this matter. The Ground he supposed, would be patent to all who chose to use it for purposes of recreation, and if any portion of the inhabitants desired to form a Club for Cricket or any other game, they might lay down what rules they chose for themselves; but others would not be compelled to abide by them, or by any regulations chat were not for the general benefit and intended to secure to all the proper use of the Ground, He thought with Mr, Phillips that the sentiments of the Meeting should be fully understood, and with Mr. Pollard that the Committee was the proper body to give effect to them.
"Mr. Campbell conceived it to be highly advisable it should be distinctly understood that the Ground was for the use of the community generally, and that none could be pre- vented from making à proper use of it.
"The Chairman Mr. J. F. Edger) remarked that it was likely Government would or could give the Ground on any other terms; and after some farther conversation the matter dropped.
" Mr. Phillips then moved. That the Committee now appointed to make preliminary arrangements, anbmit thier plans when matured to another Public Meeting" which motion was seconded by Mr. Pollard, and carried unanimously.
"Mr. Phillips father proposed." That a subscription List be at once opened, " which motion was seconded by Mr. Snow and carried unanimously.
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