February 28, 1903.]
üsusi annual examination of the building was made by the architects, Messrs. Palmer and Turner, in June, 1902, and the floors of the 8. George's and 8. Andrew's Halls were found to be quite sound. A few minor repairs neces- sitated by white ants were effected. The amount spent on ordinary repairs during the twelve months ending 30th June, 1902, was $1,694.91.-
THEATRE, &c.
During the year ending 30th June the theatre was let to the Amateur Dramatic Club, Mr. Dallas, the Australian Vaudeville Company, the Empire Comedy Company, Messrs Coghill aud Sutton, Baroffski's Circus Company, the Twentieth Century Entertainers, and others. The electric lighting of the stage has now been satisfactorily completed, but the cost of in- stalling the light does not fall into the period under review. The 8. George's and S. Andrew's ! Halls and the rest of the Ball-room suite were let for numerous dances, converts and meetings, and their use was granted free of rent for bazaars and other charitable purposes. The use of the whole building was granted to the Coronation Committes for the children's tea on 28th Juno. The rent receipts of the theatre and balls, &c., show an increase of $1340.31 on last year.
THE LIBRARY.
'The use of the library as a free reading- room and chess-room has been maintained, and the free lending pollection was well patronised. 35 books published in Hongkong were deposited in the Library, and 22 books were presented to the leading collection, tringing it up to 790 vols. Newspapers and periodicals have been kindly presented by members of the Committee, by Mr. H. A. Allen, Mr. Barton, Mr. Bowley, Mr. H. A. Ritchie, Mr. H. E. Tomkins, and the Hongkong Club, and by the proprietors of the local news papers and of the Government Gazette. The number of visitors to the Library during the 12 months was 11,338 non-Chinese and 5,033 Chinese: the number of ticket holders for the lending collection was 103 on 30th June, 1902.
MUSEUM.
The only important gift to the museum during the twelve-month was a very interesting and valuable collection of the land and freshwater shells of Hongkong and Chin, kindly presented by Dr. C. Gerlach. Sundry specimens were also presented by Commodore Powell, R. N., Messrs, U. Ford, J, M. Forbes, Fullerton, C. H. Gale, E. F. Gibson, A. Haupt E. J. Hughes, J. Mossop, H. E. Pollock, St. Leon Guerrero, J. Wacker, J. Witobell, and Mrs. Robinson. The museum was visited by 3,152 non-Chinese and 80,276 Chinese
ACCOUNTS.
The balance in the Hands of the Hon. Treasurer when the accounts up to 30th June, 1902, were closed, was $6,247.21. The reserve fund on fixed deposit in the Hongkong and Shanghai Bank is $18,542.55. The expenditure exceeded the ordinary receipts (excluding amount brought forward and interest on fixed deposit) by $156.15.
P
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CHINA OVERLAND TRADE REPORT. collection, the initiation and the development of which is due to the liberality and public-spirited- ness of Mr. H. E. Pollock (applause), increases in popularity and will it is hoped meet a long-felt want. The City Hall is not as yet a dividend- paying concern, but so long as the receipts from the Theatre and ball-rooms are sufficient to pay for the upkeep of the building and the maintenance of the library and museum, which are both open free to the public but have no endowment, the institution may be regarded as fulfilling its purpose. I beg to move the adoption of the reportand accounts. (Applausa
Mr. N. A. SIEBS seconde.l, and the motion wes uuabimously agreed to. This was all the business.
CANTON.
[FROM OUR CORRESPONDENT.]
Mİ GA
Canton, 23.d February.
EXAMINATION METHODS.
The examination which was helt here in the examination baildings on Saturday last, for d a degree answering approximately to a B.A. in England, presents several features of interest, It was announced that the doors would be opened at 2 a.m., and shortly before that timg¦ the majority of the candidates, who unmbered over three thousand, had put in an appearance before the doors. However the examine: at the last moment found the hour inconvenient and gave notice that the candidates would have to wait until I1 a.m. to come in, and so while those who lived near went back home those who came from a distance had perforce to wait there until the doors were opened. This delay made it a matter of great difficulty for the cndidates to Bluish their essays, for all had to be com pleted before dark, no lights being allowed. The questions were miscellaneous and compre leasive. There were certainly some giving|| evidence of increasing interest in external affairs; among these may be mentioned one asking whether the philosophy of Bacon or of Descartes was more likely to regenerate China ; | another, whether it was advisable that soldiers should be leat to the Hongkong steamboat companies for their protection; and, lastly, at what points and in what manner could Russia invade Iudis. Books are now allowed in all examinations, since it was found impossible to stop "cribbing," and the bribes which were paid did not come to the Head Examiner, but stayed is the pockets of the minor officials,
The CHAIRMAN in moving the adoption of the report and accounts said Gentlemen, The report and statement of accounts which have been circulated I propose we take as read. During the period under review there has been a considerable increase in the rent of the theatre, but on the other hand increased usage has necessitated heavier expenditure to make good wear and tear. The introduction of electric light on the stage is much appreciated by all whom choice or profession call behind the footlights. Ordinary revenue has been sufficient to meet the expenditure on re- decoration and electric lighting undertaken in 1901, and there is a considerable balancɔ available for the carrying out of much needed improvements in the seating and light- ing of the theatre, sanitary conveniences, extension of library and museum, &o, &c. Ordinary expenses have increased owing to lower sterling exchange, and to meet this rents have since been raised all round. The books of the late Hongkong Subscription Library have recently been presented to the lending collection in the City Hall, and as soon as the catalogue (which is now in hand) is completed, "an interesting collection of books will be avail- able to those of the public of Hongkong who wish to become borrowers. The free lending
MILITARY ACTIVITY.
There are other signs of awakening here, for several Krupp guns have been brought in and placed on the walls, and the drilling of the troops according to foreign methods is proceed- ing apace. The martial sound of bugles is heard continually, and it must certainly be said that diso pline is stricter and the bearing of the troops more soldier-like than
was the case a year ago. It may also be added that ten thousand new troops are being raised here, in addition to the five thousand additional police ordered by the Prefect.
AMOY.
[FROM OUR CORRESPONDENT.}
FOOCHOW.
185
Foochow, 14th February. Admiral Geissler. The Fürst Bismark being Foochow has been visited this week by Vios unable to come up the river by reason of her great draught of water was met at Matsu by the gunboat Jaguar, and the Admiral steamed to Pagoda in her. His Excellency was sooom- papiod by Capt. Bachman (Chief of Staff) and Capt Lieut. Taetke, also by Captain Wilbrandt of the Jaguar. During his stay, he Siemssen, the German Consul. and his officers have been the guests of Mr. G.
Mr. William Graham, one of our oldest resi- dents and at the same time one of the most popular and most highly respected members of the community, left this port on Wednesday last. There was a large gathering of his friends and a host of Chinese "at" Ewo jetty on Tuesday night to see the last of him and wish him God. speed. Against the general regret that is felt at that it is for his advancement in life. He has his severing himself from us there is the assurance one to the land of millionaires, where there will abilities as a man of business than there is at be more scope for the exercise of his undoubted this outport, and he has the hearty good wishes of this community for success in his
new work.
A ghostlike assemblage gathere! at the Bongkong and Shaughai Bank yesterday night. Lance, the da cers arrayed in the "I test Eerie and weird was the effect of a silent thing" in bed linen, and one was reminded of Professor Davis's séance or Maske lyne and Cook. this Lancers opened one of the brightest and jolliest raacs Foochow has ever seen. Every detail was carried out to perfectios, nae special Fürst Bismark which came up from Matsu feature of the dance being the band of the for the occasion through the kindness of Admiral Guiseler, Dzacing to this band, on a good flo r, with every accompaniment conducive out-of-the-world little port, and the genial host, to pure enjoyment was indeed a treat for our Mr. Rickett, is much to be felicitated on the success of his dance.
every day proficiency, gave two entertainments Professor Zimoni, a conjurer of more than at the Theatre on Tuesday.-Foochne Echo.
Amoy, 23rd February. We have had risits from several men of war lately. The Furet Bismarck gave a musical en- tertainment in the Club Theatre to which all residents were invited. A few days later the Hansa gare a similar entertainment which was much appreciated by all lovers of music. The proceeds were devoted to the Amoy Chinese| Hospital. The Albion, Cressy, Eclipse and Fearless are with us now. They have played several hockey matches with the Amoy team. The Albion gave a dramatic perfomance on the 21st inst., Princess Zolah, or The Love of the Rajah f Tittipompom, a satire on a well-known opera. The programme was carried through in first-class style, and it was a pity there was not a larger audience. This was also for the benefit|| of the Hospital.
NEWCHWANG,
Nowchw.ng. Oth February. The Russians are said to bare recolved telegraphic news from l`eking that the Empres Dowager is dead.
This spring will see a good many changes in our ocmmunity: several families are leaving for|| home.
THE ICE-FREE PORT.
We hear that Dalby harbour was frozen over a few days ago.
OBITUARY.
Ming, formerly Taotai at this port, who had the courage to disobey his orders and co-operato in maintaining order in 1900, died at Shaobai- kwan on or about 30th January. The name of his succesor has not yet transpired.
To-night the Bachelors are giving a dance ;|| let us hope it will be more successful than the Race one.
CJMMBRCIAL NEWS.
Export prices are high not only bere bat up- country, and Chinese think they will by maintained during the coming season.
The Americans may withdraw their hostilo criticism of our commercial treaty when they realise that lekin stations, numerous as crabes and poisonous as scorpions, are lying in wait wherever in Manchuria imports may be sold or exports bought.-N.-C. Daily News.
On her 70th birthday next year the Empress Dowager of Chins should receive a present of 100 golden Buddha, the same thing having beon done (as the N.-C. Daily News "explains) upon the attainment of the seventieth birthday anniversarios of the Emperors. Kang Hai and Chien Lang. Then the weight of the golden Buddhas was no less than, my, fifty taels' weight each, but the impoverished stateof the exchequer in Peking and the exceedingly high price of pure gold preclude this at the present day, and, so it has been suggested that from their ance hoard and the golden hoards of their Manchu and Mongol Princesses and I shall contribute the precious metal casting of the Buddhas in question, course of a size much smaller than-f over two centuries ago.
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