RASHKB Journal 皇家亞洲學會香港分會學刊 | RAS-1961 https://digitalrepository.lib.hku.hk/catalog/vd6724704 Journal of the Royal Asiatic Society Hong Kong Branch RASHKB and author Vol. 1 (1961) ISSN 1991-7295 131 PAPP, R., Mme. - PENNELL, W. V. PERESYPKIN, O. P. PICCIOTTO, Mrs. J. R. - POPPLE, P. M. - PRESCOTT, J. A. PRATT, M. S. - RAE-SMITH, W. B. RAVENHOLT, A. RIDE, Dr. L. T. RIDE, Mrs. L. T. ROBERTS, Miss F. A. ROFÉ, F. H. - ROSE, J. ROSS, G. W. - - RUTTONJEE, Mrs. A. RUTTONJEE, The Hon. D. - RYAN, Rev. Fr. T. F. SANDERSON, Mrs. J. SAUNDERS, J. A. H. SCHOYER, B. P. SCOTT, A. C. SCOTT, Mrs. D. - SELLERS, D. M. SHEPHARD, A. J. - SHU, H. T. J + SHUT Chien-Tung SIDBURY, H. SMALL, C. J. SMITH, L. SMITH, L. A. · STANLEY, Major H. F. STANTON, W. T. + STARBIRD, L. R. STEWART, G. O. W. STRAHAN, R. - H STRICKLAND, Mrs. P. G. SUN, T. S. SWIRE, A. C. · Church Guest House, 1, Upper Albert Rd., H.K. S.C.M.P., Wyndham Street, H.K. 22-A Kennedy Road, Flat 3, H.K. 46 Stubbs Road, H.K. U.S. Consulate-General, H.K. Dept. of Architecture, H.K.U. U.S. Consulate-General, H.K. Butterfield & Swire, H.K. Litton Apt. 6-B, 1219 L. Guerrero, Ermita, Manila, P.I. The Lodge, 1 University Drive, H.K. The Lodge, 1 University Drive, H.K. U.S. Consulate-General, H.K. 5 Tai Hang Road, H.K. Flat 1C, 3 University Drive, H.K. Flat 1, 94-C Pokfulam Road, H.K. 2 Conduit Road, H.K. 2 Conduit Road, H.K. Wah Yan College, 281 Queen's Road E., H.K. 5-A Cameron House, 40 Magazine Gap Road, H.K. U.K. Trade Commissioner, P.O. Box 745, Colombo, Ceylon. New Asia College, 6 Farm Road, Kln. Apt. 6-F, 90 Morningside Drive, New York 27, N.Y., U.S.A. Apt. 6-F, 90 Morningside Drive, New York 27, N.Y., U.S.A. Commerce & Industry Dept., Fire Brigade Building, Connaught Road C., H.K. Colonial Secretariat, H.K. P.O. Box 1213, H.K. Maryknoll Convent School, Waterloo Road, Kowloon, Jardine, Matheson & Co., Ltd., H.K. Canadian Govt. Trade Commr., 205 H.K. & Shanghai Bank Building. 23-A Robinson Road, H.K. 85 Kadoorie Avenue, Kln. - H.K. Tourist Association, Kln. - - Dina House, Duddell Street, H.K. U.S. Consulate-General, H.K. H.K. & Shanghai Banking Corpn., H.K. Dept. of Zoology, H.K.U. Caldbeck, Macgregor & Co., Ltd., 2 Chater Road, H.K. U.S. Consulate-General, H.K. Butterfield & Swire, H.K. Page 135 Page 136 ================================================================================ RASHKB Journal 皇家亞洲學會香港分會學刊 | RAS-1962 https://digitalrepository.lib.hku.hk/catalog/9s166f47f 132 MURRAY, Douglas P. NEWBIGGING, D. K. NG, Peter Y. L. NIXON, F. A., O.B.E, NOBLE, Herbert O'CONNELL, Miss S. E. PENNELL, W. V. PERESYPKIN, Oleg P. PICCIOTTO, Mrs. J. R. PRATT, Mark S. PRESCOTT, Jon A. RAE-SMITH, W. B. RICHARDS, G. RIDE, Dr. L. T., C.B.E. RIDE, Mrs. L. T. ROFE, Fevzi Husein ROOKE, Miss Barbara E. RUTTONJEE, Mrs. Anne RUTTONJEE, Hon. Dhun RYAN, The Rev. Father T. F. RYDINGS, H. A. SARGENT, G. E. SAUNDERS, J. A. H. SCHOYER, B. Preston SELLERS, David SHEPHARD, A. J. SHU, Dr. H. T. SHUI, Chientung SIDBURY, Henry SIDWA, Mrs. M. C. SIMPSON, R. F. SKELSON, Mrs. Margaret Clare SKELSON, Robert Ernest SMALL, C. J. 41-B Granville Road, 1st floor, Kln. c/o Jardine, Waugh (Malaya) Ltd. P. O. Box 304, Kuala Lumpur, Federation of Malaya. Dept. of History, Hong Kong University, H.K. Room 42, Hong Kong Club, Hong Kong. Ying Wah College, Bute Street, Kowloon, c/o U.S. Consulate-General, 26 Garden Road, H.K. c/o S.C.M.P., Wyndham Street, Hong Kong, P. O. Box 1382, Hong Kong. 46, Stubbs Road, Hong Kong. U.S. Consulate-General, Garden Road, H.K. Dept. of Architecture, H.K. University, H.K. c/o Butterfield & Swire, Union House, H.K. The British Council, 2nd fl., Buckingham Bldg., Kln. The Lodge, 1, University Drive, H.K. The Lodge, 1, University Drive, H.K. 5, Tai Hang Road, Hong Kong. 3-B 3, University Drive, Hong Kong. 2, Conduit Road, Hong Kong. 2, Conduit Road, Hong Kong. Wah Yan College, 281, Queen's Road, E., H.K. The Library, University of Hong Kong, H.K. Dept. of Chinese, University of Hong Kong, H.K. Hong Kong & Shanghai Banking Corpn., H.K. New Asia College, 6 Farm Road, Kowloon, c/o Labour Department, 22 Ice House St., H.K. c/o Colonial Secretariat, Hong Kong. P. O. Box 1213, Hong Kong. Chung Chi College, Ma Liu Shui, New Territories. Jardine, Matheson & Co., Ltd. Hong Kong. address not known yet. Dept. of Education, H.K. University, H.K. c/o Hong Kong Club, H.K. c/o Hong Kong Club, H.K. 34 Arundel Avenue, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada. ================================================================================ RASHKB Journal 皇家亞洲學會香港分會學刊 | RAS-1963 https://digitalrepository.lib.hku.hk/catalog/4m90m091v BRITISH LEGATION AT PEKING 67 ran parallel to the wall of the Legation in which the main gate was situated, and in summer often flooded the road, and at times gave off a horrible stench since many drains ran into it. Meanwhile repairs to the Legation proceeded and Rennie describes, among other things, Colonel Neale doing his accounts, the five hundred Chinese coolies being paid, a temporary strike, and continual trouble over 'squeeze'. The part intended for the members of the Legation to live in was now called 'Legation Court' and Rennie preserved, in translation, an estimate for redecorating the front of these buildings in the Chinese style, the total being one thousand and fifty Mexican dollars. By mid-April the weather was growing hot and on April 26th Parkes, Wyndham, Lt. Gow (in charge of the guard) and Rennie made a trip to the Western Hills in search of a temple which could be adopted as a residence during the extreme heat of the summer. The Russians, who had maintained an ecclesiastical mission in Peking since the Treaty of Kiakhta in 1727, had been in the habit of going to the Western Hills in the summer, and probably gave the newly arrived English this tip. Henceforth this was to become the yearly practice of foreign legations in Peking. Meanwhile the first mail from home arrived on April 27th, having been posted in England on February 26th. In this way Rennie's account is full of interesting detail. For instance just near to the entrance to the Legation there was now a line of Peking carts for hire, just as later there was a rickshaw stand, and more recently pedicabs. From this time onwards Rennie described the arrival of various English visitors who were entertained at the Legation. * Rennie visited it in March, 1861. It was situated in the same street as the newly acquired French Legation, and the members consisted of an Archimandrite together with three ecclesiastical and six lay members. (Rennie, I, 43-4.). This place, known as the Nan-kuan ("Southern Hostel"), was originally a hostel for Russian envoys and, since it had a large compound, it was used by Russian merchants who after 1698 received the privilege of sending a trade caravan to Peking at regular intervals. It was situated near the Mongol market. As a result of the Treaty of Kiakhta (1727) two hundred Russian merchants were allowed to come to Peking every third year to trade, and Russia was permitted to build a church in the grounds of the Nan-kuan, and appoint priests. In addition four Russian students and two tutors were allowed to reside there and were subsidized by the Chinese government to study the Chinese, Mongol and Manchu languages. When the first Russian minister to Peking, Colonel Balluzeck, took up residence there in July 1861, the Nan-kuan became the Russian Legation, and the ecclesiastical mission then joined up with another Russian mission at the Pei-kuan ("Northern Hostel'). See footnote 29 below, } I : J ================================================================================ RASHKB Journal 皇家亞洲學會香港分會學刊 | RAS-1963 https://digitalrepository.lib.hku.hk/catalog/4m90m091v 157 PELZEL, J. C. PENNELL, W. V. - PERESYPKIN, O. P. FICCIOTTO, Mrs. J. R. - PIRIE, J. - POLAND, T. D. POLDY, Mrs. K. PORDES, F. PRATT, M. S. - = PRESCOTT, Jon A. RAE-SMITH, W. B. RASSIM, Mrs. E. RATH, F. C. RICHARDS, G. RIDE, Sir L. T. RIDE, Lady* - · ROBINSON, F. C., M.B.E. ROFE, F. H. ROOKE, Miss B. E. ROSS, G. W. RUTTONJEE, Hon. D. RUTTONJEE, Mrs. D. RYAN, The Rev. Fr. T. F., S.J. RYDINGS, H. A. · SARGENT, Dr. G. E. SAUNDERS, J. A. H. SCHOYER, B. P. + Peabody Museum, Harvard University, Cambridge, 38, Mass., U.S.A. c/o S.C.M.P., Wyndham Street, H.K. 22-A, Kennedy Road, Flat 3, H.K. 46, Stubbs Road, H.K. P. O. Box 117, H.K. C.A.S. Headquarters. 39, Gloucester Road, 2/F., H.K. 37, Macdonnell Road, H.K. 209, Gloucester Building, H.K. U.S. Consulate-General, 26 Garden Road, H.K. Room 434 Alexandra House, H.K. c/o Messrs. Butterfield & Swire, Union House, H.K. c/o Hong Kong & Shanghai Banking Corpn., H.K. Muller and Phipps (China) Ltd., P. O. Box 25, H.K. The British Council, Room 132, Gloucester Building, H.K. The Lodge, 1 University Drive, H.K. The Lodge, 1 University Drive, H.K. The British Council, Rm. 132, Gloucester Building, H.K. 5 Tai Hang Road, H.K. 3-B, 3 University Drive, H.K. Flat 1, 94-C Pokfulum Road, H.K. 2. Conduit Road, H.K. 2, Conduit Road, H.K. Wah Yan College, 281, Queen's Road, East, H.K. The University Library, Pokfulum, H.K. 3815 Nail Court, South Bend 14, Indiana, U.S.A. Hong Kong & Shanghai Banking Corpn., H.K. New Asia College, 6, Farm Road, Kowloon * Life Member Please notify the Hon Secretary of any inaccuracy ================================================================================ RASHKB Journal 皇家亞洲學會香港分會學刊 | RAS-1968 https://digitalrepository.lib.hku.hk/catalog/66833948d NOTES ON HONG KONG LIBRARIES 57 12th, 1852. This records a rearrangement of the books, and since “proper classification was out of the question” they were arranged according to size, so as to give a uniformity of appearance. A printed catalogue was produced under the direction of Mr. W. F. Bevan, assisted by Mr. A. Dixson; the latter was Secretary of the Library for the year reported, and was re-elected for 1852-53. There is no record of the total number of books, but during the year 75 titles in 133 volumes were added; the number of members rose from 63 to 66—against 19 new members, 10 had left the Colony, 1 died, and 5 withdrawn. The annual accounts3 balanced at $1,755.02, and the cash in hand at the end of the year was $37.11. The largest item of expenditure was "Books, periodicals, and newspapers from England, $675.83." This did not include carriage, since it is stated that the Peninsular & Oriental Steam Navigation Co. kindly conveyed the monthly parcels free of charge. Rent of premises accounted for $355.00. There had apparently been some criticism of the inaccessibility of the premises. Their exact location has not been ascertained, but an advertisement of 1852 gives Queen's Road as the address, whereas another in 1867 gives Wyndham Street. Whether the change was made in 1852 is not clear, but the proposed new premises would, according to the Committee's report, cost an additional $120 p.a. for rent. A search for subsequent annual reports should throw further light on this question of location. It would also be interesting if a copy of the printed catalogue of 1852 could be found. Also in 1852, Dixson's Hongkong Recorder contains at least three advertisements relating to the Victoria Library. The first gives notice of a meeting of the committee to be held at 8 p.m. on 21st June, for the purpose of "the selection of Books to be ordered by the next mail." The advertisement goes on to say that the monthly package by the last mail, which had been mislaid on board the P. & O. Co.'s receiving ship, had since been found, and as well as the usual magazines, certain books had arrived, including Gutzlaff's Life of Taou-kwang. It seems that there were at this time quite frequent purchases of books, since another notice in the Hongkong Recorder of 9th July announced the arrival of a further consignment, which included Davis's China during the War and since the Peace and Fortune's Tea Districts of China and India. ================================================================================ RASHKB Journal 皇家亞洲學會香港分會學刊 | RAS-1970 https://digitalrepository.lib.hku.hk/catalog/ww72j0241 72 DAFYDD EMRYS EVANS separate location, namely Taipingshan, for the main part of the Chinese town. This town was apparently to become separate in a way not altogether intended by its creators. The question of the Upper Bazaar came to a head towards the end of 1843 when A. T. Gordon, the land officer, decided to meet the demands for building land (and, thereby, augment Government revenue from Crown Rents) by putting up to auction an area which extended from Wyndham Street to Gough Street, thus including the whole of the Upper Bazaar. Gordon informed Pottinger of the land which had been marked out for sale on 22 January 1844 and told him that he intended to remove altogether "that part of the town known as the Upper Bazaar" and had marked it out into 27 lots, "suitable for shops and dwellings either for Europeans or respectable Chinese". This accorded with the views which Pottinger was persuaded to hold that, as Governor Davis later put it, “it would be very advisable for the interests of the community that the Chinese should be removed, so as to prevent as much as possible their being mixed up with the Europeans." Pottinger replied to Gordon that the inhabitants of the Upper Bazaar would be given six months, from 15 January 1844, to remove their houses, the only question remaining being one of compensation. Though this correspondence was not, of course, public it would have become obvious what was to happen when the Land Sale was held on 22 January, 1844, as many persons bid for lots which then formed part of the Upper Bazaar and on which buildings were standing. The European residents made no comment on the proceedings until it appeared to them that they could use the plight of the bazaar lot-holders as part of the fight against Government on account of the treatment of their own land claims. The Chinese lot-holders themselves were apparently kept in ignorance and claim to have learnt only after the event that their lots had been sold over their heads. Thus, some time after the lots had actually been sold, Pottinger appointed a committee consisting of Major Caine, Chief Magistrate, Gutzlaff, Chinese Secretary to Government, and Gordon, the Land Officer, to consider where the bazaar lots should be relocated and on what terms the lot-holders should be dealt with. ================================================================================ RASHKB Journal 皇家亞洲學會香港分會學刊 | RAS-1971 https://digitalrepository.lib.hku.hk/catalog/z029vt43g 174 REV. JAMES LEGGE the Central Market was formed; and on the other side were some foreign Stores, and a tavern or two. Looking up Aberdeen Street, you saw a few indications of building, and a house on the south of Gage Street, forming the headquarters of a Madras Regiment; and looking up Pottinger Street, you could see the Magistracy and Gaol of the day, where the dreaded Major Caine presided, and below them were two or three other buildings. On from Pottinger Street, a few English merchants had established themselves, and the house which long continued to be known as the Commercial Inn was a place of great resort. On the west of D'Aguilar Street, not then so named, building was going on, and just opposite to it, was a small house called the Bird Cage, out of which was hatched the Hongkong Dispensary. All the space between Wyndham Street and Wellington Street was garden ground, with an imposing flat-roofed house in it, built by Mr. Brain, of the firm of Dent & Co. That great firm had its quarters where the Hongkong Hotel is now, and further on was Lindsay & Co.'s house. All else on the north side of the street was blank, on to the Artillery Barracks, which were building. On the south of the street was the Harbour Master's establishment on Pedder's Hill; and as conspicuous as are now Messrs. Heard & Co.'s Offices, which have been manufactured from it, rose the house of Mr. Johnstone, who had been administrator of the island on its first occupancy. On the Parade Ground was a small mat building, which was the Colonial Church, and above it, about where the Cathedral and Government Offices now stand, were the unpretending Government Offices of that early time and the Post-Office. Far up, if I recollect aright, might be seen a range of barracks, out of which have been fashioned the present Albany residences, and beyond the site of the present Government House was a small bungalow where Sir Henry Pottinger and Sir John Davis after him held their court. Crossing the bridge from the Artillery Barracks, there were some poor buildings for military purposes where the Naval Yard now is, and the houses of Gemmell & Co. and Fletcher & Co., the former of which has since been metamorphosed into the Commissariat Offices. On the right was the General's House, looking much as it does now, and below it was the Canton Bazaar, mainly occupied by troops. Following the bend of the road, one met with a few Chinese houses on the bluff opposite the present Military Hospital, and ================================================================================ RASHKB Journal 皇家亞洲學會香港分會學刊 | RAS-1974 https://digitalrepository.lib.hku.hk/catalog/x633mp077 ADVENTURERS IN HONG KONG 55 not serve his full sentence because he was released on grounds of ill-health. But, as Des Voeux notes, the day after his release from Victoria Gaol he was seen avidly betting at the Happy Valley Race Course. He was, clearly a great card and popular with drinking circles in Hong Kong. The Telegraph was an evening newspaper. After Fraser-Smith's death, J. J. Francis became publisher and Chesney Duncan its editor. 28 John Joseph Francis (1839-1901) was educated in Dublin and intended for the Catholic priesthood. But instead of entering the Church he enlisted in the Army, coming out to China in the Royal Artillery during the Second China War. He took his discharge in Hong Kong and commenced the study of law in the office of a Mr. Owens, solicitor. He was admitted to practise as an attorney in 1869 and entered into partnership with another solicitor and soon acquired a lucrative practice. Ambitious, he gained admission to Gray's Inn and was called to the Bar of the Supreme Court of Hong Kong in 1877. By 1888 he was the Colony's leading barrister. Francis was extremely touchy and truculent: in 1895 he returned to the Governor a silver inkstand, given to him in recognition of his work during the plague, on the grounds that the gift did not sufficiently acknowledge his services. He died of apoplexy at Yokohama's Grand Hotel in 1901. A fitting end: he was an apoplectic soul. Francis lived at 'Shirley House' in Bonham Road, a commodious residence with extensive grounds. 29 A. Macmillan, Seaports of the Far East, London, 1923, p. 366. 30 22 November, 1888. The Hong Kong Hotel, situated in Pedder Street, was originally managed by Parsees; in 1866 it came under European management and soon became a first-class hotel with all the facilities of a good West End hotel. 31 7 January, 1889. 32 Soulié states that Mayréna on his way to Hong Kong marooned Afong on Hainan Island but that the intrepid Chinese took passage on a junk and appeared in Hong Kong to haunt the King of the Sedangs. 33 China Mail, 7 January, 1889. 34 George Murray Bain (1842-1909) was born and educated at Montrose, Scotland. He joined the China Mail as a sub-editor and reporter (some say printer) in 1864. In 1875 he became sole proprietor of the China Mail and in 1879 took over the editorship of the paper himself. With N. B. Dennys he started the China Review in 1872. The China Mail was edited from Wyndham Street, a short distance away from the Hong Kong Telegraph on Pedder's Hill. Bain, unlike Fraser-Smith, appears to have been pious, temperate, and acutely respectable. 35 Hong Kong Telegraph, 27 December, 1888. 36 'Drey' was the name of a Sedang locality. 37 China Mail, 24 January, 1889. 38 Hong Kong Telegraph, 25 January, 1889. 39 7 January, 1889. 40 Sir Hugh Clifford, Heroes of Exile, London, 1906, pp. 69-70. Clifford states that it was the Hong Kong merchants 'who had paid his (Mayréna's) passage and had supplied his Majesty with a little ready money' and that they had been actuated partly by a desire to remunerate one from whom they had derived so much entertainment'. Sir Hugh Clifford (1866-1941), a colonial administrator, who served in Pahang from 1887 to 1899, was, apparently, in Hong Kong in late 1888; it is possible that he had taken local leave but I have been unable to confirm the fact. ================================================================================ RASHKB Journal 皇家亞洲學會香港分會學刊 | RAS-1977 https://digitalrepository.lib.hku.hk/catalog/np198x23n 244 LIFE MEMBERS: THOMPSON, P. J. THROWER, Prof. L. B. THROWER, Dr. S. L. TON, Mrs. Chen Chu-ching TORRIBLE, G. H. WATSON, K. A. WAUNG, Dr. W. S. WEINREBE, H. M. WERLE, Ms. Helga WESLEY-SMITH, Dr. P. WHITELEGGE, D. S. WILLIAMS, R. A. WILLIAMS, Mr. & Mrs. W. D. F. WINKLER, Mrs. E. WONG, Peng-cheong WONG, Kwok Fong WOLF, J. YEUNG, Walter W. T. YOUNG, Miss Pauline LIST OF MEMBERS Johnson, Stokes & Master, 10th & 11th Floors, Alexandra House, Chater Road, Hong Kong. Flat 6B, University Residence No. 6, Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, N.T. Flat 6B, University Residence No. 6, Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, N.T. St. Paul's Convent School, Causeway Bay, Hong Kong. Hong Kong Club, Hong Kong. Lammert Bros., Pedder Building, Hong Kong. 1903 Hang Chong Building, 5 Queen's Road, C, Hong Kong. Weinrebe & Pennell Ltd., Room 805 Bank of Canton Building, Des Voeux Road, Hong Kong. 3, Wood Road, 6th Fl., Hong Kong. Dept. of Law, University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam Road, Hong Kong. 58, Mount Nicholson Gap, Hong Kong. Dept. of Extra-Mural Studies, University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam Road, Hong Kong. 1, Riante Rive Apartments, 144 Milestone, Castle Peak Road, N.T. Flat 402, 12 May Road, Hong Kong. Wong, Tan & Co., Chartered Accountants, South China Building 3/F, 1 Wyndham Street, Hong Kong. 92A, Pokfulam Road 1st Fl., Hong Kong. P.O. Box 147, Hong Kong. 60B Conduit Road G/F, Hong Kong. The Peak Road, Plunketts Road, The Peak, Hong Kong. ================================================================================ RASHKB Journal 皇家亞洲學會香港分會學刊 | RAS-1979 https://digitalrepository.lib.hku.hk/catalog/2801w5938 240 TAN, Mr. Khek-Seng, A, 11th Floor, Elegant Garden, 11 Conduit Road, HONG KONG LOCAL LIFE MEMBERS TANG, Sir Shiu-Kin, CBE, The Kowloon Motor Bus Co. Ltd., Room 1701 Central Building, HONG KONG. TANG, Mrs. Madeleine, 8C Grenville House, 1 Magazine Gap Road, HONG KONG. THOMAS, Mr. Louis F., c/o Lowe, Bingham, & Mathews, Prince's Building, 22/Fl., HONG KONG. THOMPSON, Mr. P. J., c/o Johnson, Stokes & Master, 10th and 11th Floors Alexandra House, 16-20 Chater Road, HONG KONG THROWER, Prof. L. B., Flat 6B, University Residence No. 6, Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, NEW TERRITORIES. THROWER, Dr. Stella, Flat 6B, Residence No. 6, Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, NEW TERRITORIES. TON CHEN, Mrs. Chu-Ching, 3-D Chesterfield Mansion, Kingston Street, HONG KONG, TORRIBLE, Mr. Graham Robert, c/o Hong Kong Club, HONG KONG WATSON, Mr. K. A., c/o Lammert Bros., Pedder Building, HONG KONG. WAUNG, Mr. William Sikying, 1903 Hang Chong Building, 5 Queen's Road C., HONG KONG. WEINREBE, Mr. Harry M., Fairfield Enterprises Ltd., 1404 Bank of Canton Building, 6 Des Voeux Road C., HONG KONG. WERLE, Ms. Helga, 3 Wood Road, 6/Fl., HONG KONG. WESLEY-SMITH, Mr. Peter, School of Law, University of Hong Kong, HONG KONG, WILLIAMS, Mr. Roger, Dept. of Extra-Mural Studies, University of Hong Kong, HONG KONG. WILLIAMS, Mr. B. V., Hong Kong Housing Authority, Housing Authority Headquarters, 101 Princess Margaret Road, KOWLOON. WILLIAMS, Mr. & Mrs. W.D F., 1 Riante Rive Apartments, 141 Milestone, Castle Peak Road, NEW TERRITORIES. WINKLER, Mrs. E., Flat 402, 12 May Road, HONG KONG WONG, Mr. Kwok Fong, 92A Pokfulam Road 1/Fl., HONG KONG. WONG, Mr. Peng-Cheong, Wong, Tan & Co., Chartered Accountants, South China Building, 3rd Floor, 1 Wyndham Street, HONG KONG, YEUNG, Mr. Walter W. T., 60-B Conduit Road, G/F, HONG KONG. YOUNG Miss Pauline, The Peak School, Plunketts Road, The Peak, HONG KONG. I ¦ | ================================================================================ RASHKB Journal 皇家亞洲學會香港分會學刊 | RAS-1979 https://digitalrepository.lib.hku.hk/catalog/2801w5938 246 ORDINARY LOCAL MEMBERS HODGKISS, Dr. I. John, 17 High West, 142 Pokfulam Road, HONG KONG. HODGSON, Mr. A. F., Johnson Matthey Commodities H.K Ltd., 12A1 Far East Exchange Building, 8 Wyndham Street, HONG KONG. HODGSON, Mrs. Kirsty Hamilton, Flat E1, Marigold Court, 4 Marigold Road, Yau Yat Chuen, KOWLOON. HOLMES, Miss Jeanette E., 26 Kennedy Road, HONG KONG. HOTUNG, Mr. Eric, 10 Stanley Street, HONG KONG. HOWE, Prof. Geoffrey L., Division of Dental Studies, 1/F, Patrick Manson Building, 7 Sassoon Road, HONG KONG. HSIA, Mr. Tung Pei, P.O. Box 20027, Hennessy Road Post Office, HONG KONG. HUGALL, Miss E. Jane, David Trench Rehabilitation Centre, Occupational Therapy 3/F, 9 Bonham Road, HONG KONG. HUGHES, Ms. Anne, 5604 Cape Mansions, Mount Davis Road, HONG KONG. HULL-LEWIS, Mrs. J. M., 501 Tavistock, Tregunter Path, HONG KONG. HUYSMAN, Mr. J., Repulse Bay Apartments, A35. 101 Repulse Bay Road, HONG KONG. JARVIS, Mrs. Patricia Ann, Flat 8B, Vienna Court, 41 Conduit Road, HONG KONG. JEFFERY, Mr. M. J., New Territories Development Dept, 21st Floor Murray Building, Garden Road, HONG KONG. JOHNSON, Mr. & Mrs. P. K., c/o A.I.A., P.O. Box 444, HONG KONG. JONES, Mr. Gordon, W. E., Flat 42 Buxey Lodge, 37 Conduit Road, HONG KONG KHAN, Dr. Latiffa, Shau Kei Wan Govt. Technical School, 40 Chaiwan Road, Shaukiwan, HONG KONG. KHAN, Miss Sherifa, c/o Belilios Public School, 51 Tin Hau Temple Road, HONG KONG. KING, Miss Carol Anne, Language Centre, University of Hong Kong, HONG KONG. KIRKBRIDE, Mr. K. M. G., The Building Authority, Murray Building, 8/F, Garden Road, HONG KONG. KWAN, Mrs. Alice Wong Sau Ching, Flat 2A, 9th Floor, Beverley Heights, 67 Beacon Hill Road, KOWLOON. KWOK, Mr. Ping Leong, Kerry Trading Co. Ltd., 25/FI. American International Tower, 16-18 Queen's Road Central, HONG KONG. LACK, Mr. Alan J., Flat 1, Peak Pavilion, 12 Mount Kellett Road, HONG KONG. ================================================================================ RASHKB Journal 皇家亞洲學會香港分會學刊 | RAS-1982 https://digitalrepository.lib.hku.hk/catalog/mk61z420p 220 CARL T. SMITH established brothels, a gambling hall, opium divans, a temple, his family house and the Theatre. As the location and arrangements of Acqui's Theatre were not very satisfactory, there was a movement to build something more suitable. Immediately after the first performance of the Amateurs, it was announced that plans for a new theatre were under consideration. The China Mail, 8 January 1846, gave its full support: We are glad to learn there is at length a fair prospect of a Theatre being erected in Hong Kong. The project was suggested last year, and as it not only met with general approbation from the public, but received the sanction of His Excellency and the support of the civil and military servants of the Government, it is rather inexplicable how it was suffered to drop. We are indebted, we believe, to the same parties who lately favoured the public with an amateur performance in the Lower Bazaar, for taking the matter up again, and they seem now to have begun very properly by first testing the feelings of the middle classes upon the very important point of subscriptions. We are assured that the amount already subscribed for is more than half what will be required to erect a spacious building, adapted alike for the purposes of a Theatre and a Ballroom, or a hall for public meetings. With some proofs of support from the community at large, we trust the Governor's patronage will be continued, and the merchants and official gentlemen will take the matter up in good earnest, and complete what has already been auspiciously begun. When the plans are sufficiently matured we would suggest the propriety of bringing them before the public in a well-defined shape, by circular, or advertisement in the public papers. For this purpose our columns will be at the service of the committee gratuitously. A meeting to enlist shareholders was held at the house of Leonard Just, a watchmaker, in February 1846. The eventual outcome of the meeting was the erection of the Victoria Theatre on the hill behind the Hong Kong Club. The lot was up Wyndham Street somewhat to the south of Wellington Street. ================================================================================ RASHKB Journal 皇家亞洲學會香港分會學刊 | RAS-1982 https://digitalrepository.lib.hku.hk/catalog/mk61z420p 224 CARL T. SMITH With children performing there was no question of respectability. It was announced some weeks after the first performance that "several ladies having expressed regret at not witnessing the late performance of the Portuguese children, Mr. Souza, with the consent of the parents, and at the request of the Committee, has consented to repeat the performance at an early date". In 1866 the Portuguese community built a club house at Shelley and Elgin Streets. Attached to it was a small theatre. It was used not only by Portuguese amateurs but, before the opening of the Theatre Royal in the City Hall in 1869, it was the venue for the productions of the Amateur Dramatic Club. The Theatre portion of Club Lusitano was demolished in 1873, The Germans built a club house on Wyndham Street in 1872. It contained a small auditorium. German amateur groups used it for plays and operettas. More appreciated by the non-German speaking community were the concerts and the appearance of Liedertafel singing groups. THE A.D.C—BORN IN A MATSHED An Amateur Theatrical Society was formed in 1860. Its membership was made up of both civilians and military officers. For the 1860-61 season they erected a new matshed. It was said that in its internal arrangements there was "no lack of comfort, indeed elegance has received its share of attention". It included a continental innovation the prompter's box was placed in the centre in front of the curtain "according to the French custom”. The Committee of the Society came under attack for alleged misuse of funds. At the second performance of the 1861 season it was deemed necessary to make a public statement refuting accusations which had appeared in the local press. The Committee had been charged "with spending the profits in cold fowl and sherry behind the scenes." Two professional ladies of the stage also figured in the accusations. The newspaper account of the public explanation concluded with the sentiment that "Hong Kong thanks the Amateurs and has fullest confidence in the ================================================================================ RASHKB Journal 皇家亞洲學會香港分會學刊 | RAS-1982 https://digitalrepository.lib.hku.hk/catalog/mk61z420p 233 described as a "fairy play". It was an ambitious effort with 100 performers, 50 children, 50 trained birds and a special corps de ballet of 25 and an orchestra of 25. It was a great success. In keeping with the title the theatre was decorated in blue. As the performance was in aid of the Prince of Wales Fund, massive oil paintings of the King and Queen and Prince of Wales painted by Yee Cheong of Wyndham Street,* were prominently displayed. A similar production, not quite so lavish, was put on the next year. It was a fairy ballet entitled "Snow White and the Frog Prince". It was in aid of the Belgium Relief Fund. Another very elaborate production was "Kismet”, an oriental extravaganza, in 1916. It was in aid of the Star and Garter Fund. All the productions during the war period were in aid of some war related fund. Original music for "Kismet" was written by Mr. Norman Peterkin of the Robinson Piano Company. "Pinkie and the Fairies", yet another extravaganza, was staged in 1919. It had over sixty performers. The late Sophie Weill Odell appeared as one of the fairies a proper introduction to a long association with the stage through her impresario husband Harry Odell. The programme for "Pinkie and the Fairies" listed all the productions of the A.D.C. since 1870. Not all Sinclair's plays were along the exotic line. In 1916, there was "The Angel in the House" the success of this play depended on subtle satiric portrayal of character. It put a great demand on an amateur group. Even more demanding was the 1925 production of Shaw's "St. Joan". It was hailed as the greatest triumph of the A.D.C.'s existence. "A great play, magnificently acted" "Memory fades and achievements diminish; time weaves a dusty web over the past and the glamour of a praise-worthy act wears off. History never dies, nor will this epoch-making performance of the A.D.C. be forgotten when the social history of Hong Kong is compiled". Sinclair also appreciated the sophisticated humour of Noel Coward. "I'll Leave It to You" was staged by him in 1922, It had been Coward's first play produced in London, some two years previous to its Hong Kong appearance. * Hong Kong Daily Press, 1 Apr. 1884, Advertisement: Yee Cheong, portrait painter, studio corner of Wyndham and Wellington Streets. Page 255 Page 256 ================================================================================ RASHKB Journal 皇家亞洲學會香港分會學刊 | RAS-1982 https://digitalrepository.lib.hku.hk/catalog/mk61z420p 236 CARL T. SMITH After nine years a lying-underground That wants unveiling; is it the Duke of Connaught? I fear we cannot hold him tho' we ought, Has Chater found his long-last C.M.G. Or is the new club† opened by the sea? Even the Kowloon-Canton Railway is referred to a dozen or so years before it became a fact.†† Fra Diavolo comments on reading a newspaper: Next comes the news China is awaking Railways in all directions she is making. Fancy from Kowloon city setting forth, 'Change here for Shanghai, Peking, and the North". One of the lyrics gave tips for cutting a figure during the pre-race season: If you want to know the way to be a genuine Hong Kong sport, Listen to me. A griffin* you must have of course, no matter of what sort. At five o'clock in the morning you must trudge to the course; A stop watch in your pocket is the game; And though you need not know a job about a horse They may think you Morny Cannon all the same. Come along with me, come along with me. With boots and breeches spick and span, The latest pattern from Ah Man.** † Sir Paul Chater, Hong Kong merchant and philanthropist. Made Companion of the Order of St. Michael and St. George 1897. The Hong Kong Club moved from Queen's Road and Wyndham Street to its new building on the Praya (now Connaught Road) 26 July 1897. ††† William Danby, Civil Engineer, was requested by Chinese authorities to make a survey of a railway line from Canton to Kowloon (Daily Press 30 Aug. 1884). In 1888 a group of Chinese capitalists in Hong Kong revived a scheme to build the railroad. They received permission to proceed from the Peking Government in 1890, A survey team began work in July 1890 (Daily Press 12, 18 June, 17 July 1890). The project fell through. One of its promoters, Lo Hok-pang, formed another syndicate at Canton in 1892, but again the proposal had to be dropped. (Hong Kong Telegraph 28 Oct. 1892). * One of the China ponies sent from North China to Shanghai and then to Hong Kong. ** A Chinese tailor. ================================================================================ RASHKB Journal 皇家亞洲學會香港分會學刊 | RAS-1983 https://digitalrepository.lib.hku.hk/catalog/j9607p61v NOTES AND QUERIES Dog Divination from A Dunhuang Manuscript CAROLE MORGAN 184 An Ode on Hong Kong Composed by the Major of Canton in 1845 P. BRUCE 193 Relics of Hong Kong and China in British Army and Regimental Museums P. BRUCE 196 An Imperial Chinese Banner Preserved in Kendal, England P. BRUCE 202 A Relic of St. Francis Xavier P. BRUCE 204 A Ch'ing Cannon from Wyndham Street, Hong Kong J. W. HAYES 208 Chue Mo Peng, A Fever Reported from Villages in the Hong Kong Region, and Its Cure, Together with Other Village Remedies for Excess Heat J. W. HAYES 209 The Kwun Yam Tung Shan Temple of East Kowloon 1840-1940 J. W. HAYES 212 A Community Shooting Bungalow Near Chinkiang, Kiangsu, and Its Library About 1905 J. W. HAYES 218 Ancestral Images: A Bibliographical Note HUGH D. R. BAKER 221 Old Hau Wong Temple, Tai Wai, Sha Tin P. H. HASE 233 Traditional New Territories Farming: Manuring P. H. HASE 241 The Cultivation of the "Incense Tree" (Aquilaria Sinensis) IU KOW-CHOY 247 vi ================================================================================ RASHKB Journal 皇家亞洲學會香港分會學刊 | RAS-1983 https://digitalrepository.lib.hku.hk/catalog/j9607p61v 208 A CH'ING CANNON FROM WYNDHAM STREET, HONG KONG JAMES HAYES The photographs at Plates 15 to 17 are of a large cannon from the Chia Ching period (1796-1820) of the Ch'ing dynasty. For some time after its discovery in 1965 it was kept in the old Marine Office at Rumsey Street, Connaught Road Central, but is presently located at the entrance to the Marine Department's dockyard beside the Canton Road Government Offices, Kowloon. A plaque on the carriage made for this cannon states that it was discovered during excavations on 4th March 1965 in the forecourt of Nos. 10-12 Wyndham Street near the "South China Morning Post" building. It was, probably, originally positioned at the site of the third Harbour office (1843-1845). On the barrel are markings giving the weight as 1,500 catties and showing that it was made during the tenth month of the 10th year (1805) of the reign of Emperor Chia Ch'ing by Man Tsoi (*) Man Shing (萬盛) Man Ming (萬明) and Man Tat (萬德). It is not known whether this cannon was brought to Hong Kong when it was first made, which is unlikely in my view, or whether it was taken from elsewhere by British forces during the first China War in 1840-42. Other cannons from this period are to be found on the walls of the Tung Chung Fort, at Lantau Island. See this Journal Vol. 4 (1964) pp. 146-150, and Vol. 18 (1978) pp. 207-209 with photographs. For two earlier cannon from Hong Kong see "A Cannon from the end of the Ming period" in JHKBRAS Vol. 7 (1967) pp. 152-157, with plates. ================================================================================ RASHKB Journal 皇家亞洲學會香港分會學刊 | RAS-1983 https://digitalrepository.lib.hku.hk/catalog/j9607p61v Plate 15: A Ch'ing Cannon found at Wyndham Street, Hong Kong. ================================================================================ RASHKB Journal 皇家亞洲學會香港分會學刊 | RAS-1983 https://digitalrepository.lib.hku.hk/catalog/j9607p61v Plate 16: The Ch'ing Cannon found at Wyndham Street, Hong Kong. ================================================================================ RASHKB Journal 皇家亞洲學會香港分會學刊 | RAS-1983 https://digitalrepository.lib.hku.hk/catalog/j9607p61v Plate 17: The Ch'ing Cannon found at Wyndham Street, Hong Kong. Detail of inscription. Page 285 Page 286 ================================================================================ RASHKB Journal 皇家亞洲學會香港分會學刊 | RAS-1986 https://digitalrepository.lib.hku.hk/catalog/jq08c7063 248 CARL SMITH In attacking the China Mail's comments on the delegation, the pen of the Telegraph's editor fairly burned. With enflamed rhetoric, he proclaimed: "We have seldom perused a greater farrago of contemptible drivel. . . . The impossibility of extracting blood from a stone has long been recognised, so, on the same principle, no one ever expects from a newspaper of the class of our evening contemporary anything approaching ordinary intelligence, or even common sense. "The thing which serves as an article in the feeble organ of lower Wyndham Street is not merely devoid of ordinary intelligence, and altogether lacking in common sense; it is false in principle, inaccurate in statement, illogical in argument, ungrammatical in diction, sycophantic in tone and intention, and taken all in all, a crying disgrace to a so-called representative of public opinion which pretends to be impartial, honest and independent. "We have no intention of trying to wean our evening print from its crooked ways, nor would it be worthwhile to preach doctrines of decency and of self-respect to the anonymous scribbler who apparently imagines he hits the foreign public taste while at the same time hoodwinking and conciliating the Chinese, by vulgar misrepresentation of matters which are within the ken of all, and spiteful and scurrilous abuse of Governor Hennessy. It would be a much easier task to endow a fool with intellect than to persuade him that he possessed either intellect, truth, or decency." The journalist of that day could not expect tender treatment from his rival. The editorials reflect that the distrust between the foreign and Chinese communities, the struggle to find some way to resolve tensions, the bitterness aroused by Governor Hennessy's policies were still boiling in the pot. To these there had been added a rift within the Chinese community. Ho A-mei was not averse to stirring the stew. ================================================================================ RASHKB Journal 皇家亞洲學會香港分會學刊 | RAS-1994 https://digitalrepository.lib.hku.hk/catalog/zk522640g subject when Governor John Pope Hennessy planned to appoint him as His Excellency's personal secretary in charge of affairs relating to the Chinese. The British merchants were opposed to the Governor creating an office where he would have more direct communication with the Chinese. Due to their opposition, Eitel never occupied such a position. In 1895, he published Europe in China, a detailed history of Hong Kong up to that date. Club Germania A club for Germans was started in 1859 in Wanchai in an unpretentious building. The German-speaking population at the time would have been very small. There were three German firms and two stores conducted by Germans. Within two years, the community almost doubled. It was small, but still large enough to provide a social centre for the community. In 1865, George Michelmore advertised the opening of a hotel in premises "which were formerly known as the German Club". It was below the Headquarters House, now Flagstaff House, off the present Cotton Tree Drive. This may have been the second location of the Club, as an article written in 1909 states that the first building was in "an outlying section of Wanchai", a description which does not fit a location on what is now Cotton Tree Drive (DP, 17 May, 1865). The club moved in 1865 to a new building erected by Gustav Overbeck at the top of Wyndham Street, just south of D'Aguilar Street. But the German population was increasing, and the Germania Club decided to build a more commodious building. This was on the east side of Wyndham Street off Queen's Road. The new building was opened in 1872. It was a brick building in the Gothic style. The architects were Messrs Wilson and Salway. The cost was $21,000. Thirteen granite steps led to the entrance, and the main hall. On either side of the hall was a billiard room and a reading room. On the same level was a library room and a bar. The Concert Hall was approached by a flight of seven-foot-wide stairs. The Hall accommodated 275 persons; on either side was a drawing room and a dining room. There were accommodations for sixty in the dining room. Four bowling alleys were in the rear of the building (HKT, 27 Nov. 1909). The building served the community well until again it became too small, and another building was erected on Kennedy Road. This building became enemy alien property in 1914 and passed into the hands of St. Joseph's College. The College is still located in the building. Page 30 Page 31 ================================================================================ RASHKB Journal 皇家亞洲學會香港分會學刊 | RAS-1994 https://digitalrepository.lib.hku.hk/catalog/zk522640g 19 Reichmann's application for the Grand Hotel was not granted as he was a German national. He applied again in 1915 but to no avail. Though he was unsuccessful, the application suggests he was not interned with his fellow countrymen. After peace returned, he again sought a decision on his application for naturalisation (CO129/455, p37, 11 July 1919). I have presented this material in what some might consider excessive detail because it relates a connected history of accommodation for travelling and resident Germans from 1859, when Petersen's German Tavern was opened, to 1931, when his daughter retired from the management of the Station Hotel in Kowloon and closed its doors. Cafe Weissmann The Cafe Weissmann opened in 1904. In 1914/15 the name was changed to Wiseman, a less Germanic spelling. Lane, Crawford and Co. had acquired a controlling interest in Weissmann Ltd, so its Cafe was not considered to be alien enemy property. The licence for spirits was transferred from Rembold Ekhardt, who had held it from 1909, to Ellen H.K. King, According to Jarrett, the author of the column "Old Hong Kong" in the South China Morning Post (23 Sept. 1933), Hans Weissmann was a ship's baker who began business near the Bowrington Canal. If this is accurate, he must have begun his Hong Kong career at the Hong Kong and China Bakery Co. It was a limited company with the controlling interest being held by Lane, Crawford and Co. Mr. Weissmann opened a restaurant in a small room in the Beaconsfield Arcade in 1904, but he soon moved to the south-east corner of Queen's Road and Wyndham Street. Here, in addition to his "Refreshment Room", he had a "Tiffin Room" at No. 1 Wyndham Street. At the same time, the business became a limited company (DP20, 27 Apr 1905). The management of the restaurant was taken over by Carl Fiedler in 1908. A year later, the business was moved to No. 14 Des Voeux Road Central. Mr. Fiedler was not long after replaced by Rembold Ekhardt, who conducted the business under various names until 1914. Cafe Weissman became Cafe Wiseman in 1914. No. 14 Queen's Road was redeveloped in 1926 as the Exchange Building. Lane, Crawford and Co. had its store there and for several years Cafe Wiseman became the ================================================================================ RASHKB Journal 皇家亞洲學會香港分會學刊 | RAS-1997 https://digitalrepository.lib.hku.hk/catalog/wp98g7579 Acknowledgements One has only to read a President's Report for one of the years during the 1960s, or even more recently, to realise how our Branch has, in some ways, changed. It is important that we as members keep our ears to the ground and move with the times. It is important with a Society as rich in history as the RAS, with our Branch being reconstituted (in 1959) a year or so after sedan chairs disappeared from Wyndham Street (where they awaited customers), that we do not change for the sake of change. At the moment things appear to be working well. Time will reveal what further alterations are necessary. But it is important that, as our American friends say, 'If it ain't dysfunctional don't fix it'. Much of the success of our Society is achieved by small efforts repeated day in and day out by Branch members working as a team. Here we must also not forget Claire Hockaday who did a splendid job as Assistant Secretary. After she returned to England, in late 1997, her post was filled by Sarah Parnell who soon demonstrated that she has her own special expertise and enthusiasm to bring to bear. May I say here how grateful I am to everyone who has spent time and laboured for the Branch or who has supported me over the past year. On an occasion like this it is not easy to think of all the persons one should thank and to thank them adequately. If I have missed anyone I crave your indulgence. Conclusions As I mentioned earlier a number of our members have now left Hong Kong. We appreciate there is a great deal to do at such times with packing and other chores, but, if you are leaving in the near future, it would be appreciated if you could let us know. We can then update our records. Over the past year some members have written to say how much they appreciated being members of the RASHKB. For example Anita Wilson wrote, XX ================================================================================ RASHKB Journal 皇家亞洲學會香港分會學刊 | RAS-2001 https://digitalrepository.lib.hku.hk/catalog/zg651950g 376 Wyndham Street, and set about getting the rusting machinery operating again. Luckily he was able to find pre-war newsprint in a disused godown and a working electric generator, which he transported to Wyndham Street. He had been appointed by the Royal Navy Commander in Chief of the liberation fleet as Press Liaison Officer and Controller of Government Printing, pending the return to civil administration. As a result, Hong Kong's first post-war newspaper came out on 30th August 1945. It was a single column sheet, nine inches by five, and in bold type under a big heading read: 'Fleet Entering.' Twenty thousand copies were run off and it was circulated free of charge. The same evening it was changing hands for one dollar. The following morning it was worth five dollars. Frederick Franklin died in 1955 and was buried in the Colonial (now Hong Kong) Cemetery in Happy Valley. His son, Douglas, returned to England after war service with the Royal Australian Navy. He qualified at Cirencester, in England, and joined the Colonial Agricultural Service and was posted to Nigeria. After that country was granted independence in 1960 Douglas returned with his family to Australia. With his experience of tropical agriculture he joined the Agricultural Department in Papua New Guinea. His story and that of his family is fairly typical of many Britons and their relatives who enjoyed a peripatetic existence in the days of Empire. Items donated by Douglas Franklin to our Branch comprise the following: 1. Presentation specimen (1 5/8 inches high by 2 inches diameter) of the first telephone cable connecting Canton (now Guangzhou) and Hong Kong, dated 1 September 1931. This was presented to Mr Franklin senior. His son today confirms that, in those days, there was splendid co-operation between the two cities. 2. This consists of an ivory canister, about 3 inches high, which contains 30 "fortune sticks" inscribed on both sides. They are similar to the larger bamboo version frequently found on altars in Chinese temples in Hong Kong. After shaking the canister, if done correctly, one fortune stick "worms" its way up and drops out. One then reads the ================================================================================ RASHKB Journal 皇家亞洲學會香港分會學刊 | RAS-2002 https://digitalrepository.lib.hku.hk/catalog/mp4901278 332 Sir Robert had a wonderful funeral procession with 16 bands. In those days popular tunes at Chinese funerals were; Abide with me, Polly Wolly Doodle all the Day, and Yes, we have no Bananas! They were good, rousing tunes and most Chinese did not understand the words anyway. Bamboo ramps were a common sight in the 1950s to bring coffins and corpses down to street level. Ramps disappeared with traffic congestion and with the introduction of high-rise buildings, about 1960. Major Chinese festivals occur in the calendar when there are marked changes of seasons. People are then likely to feel "under the weather." When the body is at a low ebb a sick person is more likely to die. In 1956, it was said that Sir Robert had “passed over" Ching Ming and should be able to carry on at least to Dragon Boat Festival. However, it was not to be. In March 1955 I had managed to obtain a government quarter at 56 Conduit Road. At the time it resembled a quiet country lane, gay with flowers, where you could occasionally hear barking deer calling from Victoria Peak. A few people were still carried up to Mid-Levels by sedan chairs which, until the end of the fifties, were parked at the bottom of Wyndham Street. I engaged a Chinese amah to whom I paid $130 a month. She spoke Pidgin English and talked of "going topside” when she meant going upstairs. Indeed some of us old Hong Kong hands still use pidgin expressions. I, for example, still talk of a makee-learn, for someone learning a job, and I say small chow when I mean canapés which are provided at receptions. A Chinese colleague complained that, at $130, I was overpaying my amah. He gave his $70 a month. He also said that his amah had no time off. If she had anything important to do she would request a few hours off work. Several people had gold teeth in those days and the saying was that one should have enough gold in one's mouth to pay for one's funeral. The present-day, gold-coloured building, at Admiralty, is nicknamed the "Amah's Tooth." When I first lived in Conduit Road there were a number of quite palatial mansions standing in their own grounds, often with tennis courts, in the Mid-levels. One example was the house on the site, at No.41, on which I live today. The old building was demolished in the mid-1960s. From 1951 to '61 it was occupied by the Foreign Correspondents' Club (FCC). The film, Love is a Many Splendored Thing, based on Han ================================================================================ RASHKB Journal 皇家亞洲學會香港分會學刊 | RAS-2002 https://digitalrepository.lib.hku.hk/catalog/mp4901278 455 could sometimes hear barking deer calling from Victoria Peak. At the time one could still hire a sedan chair and four coolies to carry one up to Conduit Road. There were half a dozen or so parked regularly in Wyndham Street, in Central, up until the late 1950s. The fare was 30 cents for each 15 minutes with a 30 cents surcharge. The working life of a chair coolie was said to be eight years. As with many houses in Conduit Road at the time, 41 Conduit Road had a superb view and, long before the days of cross-harbour tunnels, one of the pastimes of children was counting the number of ferries they could spot. Between the two World Wars an eccentric Englishman who lived in Robinson Road, not far away, did not own a clock. He used a telescope to tell the time from the clock tower then standing in Pedder Street. In the "good old days," more than one British Governor used the activities in the harbour as a barometer of the strength of the economy. We are talking of times, up until the mid 1930s, when a cannon was fired from Blackhead Point, in Tsim Sha Tsui, to let residents know when a typhoon was approaching or, alternatively, the mail ship had arrived. Occasionally, inhabitants were not sure to which of the two events the firing referred! When the FCC vacated the premises the final days had come for the old mansion at 41 Conduit Road. In 1960, it was bought by Cheng Hing Realty and, in 1966, rebought by Court Properties. As with so much of Hong Kong it was a case of 'Hungry for the new forget the old.' The old building was demolished and the site remained empty for some time. The sale price was reputed to have been $13 million. The site was then redeveloped. In the summer of 1970, there were 1,200 applications to purchase the 400 flats at Realty Gardens. My wife and I were successful in the ballot and we took possession of our newly completed flat in Venice Court, for which we paid, in mid 1972, the princely sum of $114,000. Prices were still low after the property slump brought on largely by the drawn-out 1967 riots. My flat has been a splendid investment. We let it for the first four years, unfurnished, at $2,000 a month. We moved in ourselves on 1 March 1976. Although I can see a narrow strip of the harbour and Stonecutters Island (an island no longer) from my bedroom window, my flat at Realty Gardens in fact faces south. It is thus shielded from the cold north-easterly monsoon in the winter and receives the benefits of the cool ================================================================================