Sessional_Paper_1896 — Page 919

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front of the image was arranged on a long table quite a number of dishes of eatables, consisting of meats, roasted and stewed, fruits, confectionery, pastry nicely worked up to represent eight genii, an elephant, a unicorn, a peacock, &c., and at the further end of the table was a roast-pig, an uncooked sheep, as well as an uncooked pig; the latter was substituted for a calf, which was dispensed with, owing, we presume, to the want of space on the table.

Above the image and hung up in the centre of the wall was a scroll bearing the word "Longevity."

After the prayer was read, the performer of ceremonies resumed his kneeling posture and proceeded to offer the sacrifice to the deity, taking a dish of each description of food, beginning with the dish on the left-hand side; it was conveyed to where he was kneeling by two attendants who handed it to two assistants, who, in turn handed it to him with great reverence. He then held it up above his head and gave it after- wards to two attendants on his right, who replaced it in its original place. All the dishes having been offered in this manner, a bowl of rice was offered and then fruit and then tea. The deity was now supposed to have finished his repast, a bowl of congee or wine was next offered. All was finished, the band was ordered to play "great music," and amidst the din of gongs and drums, some joss paper was burnt, accom- panied by the salvoes of crackers and the booming of three guns, which announced the close of the ceremony. When all was over, the services of several actors were imported into the ceremony; they represented the eight genii offering congratulations to the Queen of Heaven on the anniversary of her birth.

While the performance was going on, the concourse of spectators was very great, notwithstanding that all the district watchmen had been turned out to preserve order. Every one was eager to press forward to witness the ceremony, and some were even so inconsiderate as to stand with their shoes on the new cushions of the chairs, which were said to have belonged once to the wealthy PooN TINQUA, whose property was attached by the Chinese Government for debts he owed in connection with the salt monopoly. The ceremony produced a profound impression, and every one agreed that it was the grandest ever witnessed in Hongkong. A Parsee merchant shewed great interest, and was present throughout the performance.

Extract from the "Daily Advertieer,”

OPENING OF THE NEW CHINESE HOSPITAL.

The opening of the New Chinese Hospital at West Point, not far from the old "I-Ts'z," took place yesterday with great pomp and ceremony, His Excellency the Governor honouring the proceedings by his presence. A long and gorgeous procession wended its way in the forenoon to the building which, besides being hand- somely adorned architecturally in the Chinese fashion, was further made attractive by numerous lanterns, pictures and hangings, bestowed in the manner the Chinese so well know how to employ, and producing a most striking effect. According to information furnished us, we understand that the building cost about $45,000. It is divided into 3 sections and 8 departments, and is at present capable of accommodating from 80 to 100 patients. Three doctors, with one exclusively for vaccination, are attached to the establishment, but it is hoped shortly to increase the number to five. The lower wards are divided off by half-wall wooden compartments, and are intended for the poorer class of gratis patients. The upper story, which is better lighted and ventilated, is appropriated for those who can afford to pay towards their maintenance in hospital, and its wards are all that can be desired, having a good verandah, front and back, and being well ceiled and floored.

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