Page:Twentieth Century Impressions of Hongkong, Shanghai, and other Treaty Ports of China.djvu/264

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TWENTIETH CENTURY IMPRESSIONS OF HONGKONG, SHANGHAI, ETC.

attained. Since the building of the Gael and Nina by Messrs. McIver and Hazeland respectively, ten other similar l>oats have l>eeii added to the fleet, so that there are more Corinthian one-desifjn yachts in the Colony than any other class oif txats, and, as a consequence, the racing is keener. This design holds gtxxl until igoQ without structural alterations, and it is unlikely that any alterations will then be made, though it is probable that a larger design will be introduced. The Club has proved a great success, and the memtiership roll now contains 170 names. In addition to the one-design class of txats there are twelve other yachts of varving size which compete in handicap races, and, further, the Club has the distinction of being the first to hold motor-boat races in the Colony. Mr. J. Hand, of the Hongkong and sport. From the earliest days of the Colony rifle sluxiting has been popular, particularly among the military and navy, and of later years the civilian has taken to it kindly, until to-day a team of civilians (including Volun- teers) could be selected which would hold its own against a like number of naval or military men. The Hongkong Rifle Association was formed about the year 1886, and contiiuied in a hap- hazard manner until 1905. when it was wound up and the Hongkong Volunteer KiHc Club took over the control of rifle shooting in the Colony. During the earlier years of its existence the Hongkong Rifle Association did good work, but after a few years interest flagged and on several (x;casions the Associa- tion was on the verge of disbandment. The CHINESE (OB LOBCHA) BIOQED CBUISING YACHT. (Feachou to Hongkong.) Whampoa Dock Company, was the first on the water with a racing motor, and though the class of boats raced with here would not com- pare with Xafier //, &c., they are very speedy and reliable. Races are held fortnightly, or oftencr, and are usually well contested, the time allowances providing close contests. The Corinthian club-house is built on land leased from the Government at the nominal rent of $1 per year. RIFLE SHCX)TING. Rifle shooting is more of a duty than a pastime in Hongkong, but the number of competitions which are fired off annually warrants its inclusion under the heading of Rifle Association was the originator of the inter-port contests between Hongkong, Shang- hai, Singapore, and, occasionally, Penang, which are continued up to the present day and which have been responsible for some good shooting. The first match was fired in 1889, Shanghai winning, and, excepting 1890, matches have been held annually. From 1889 to 1894 Martini-Henry rifles were used, and in 1895 I^e-Metfords were introduced, though at the present time it is permissible to use the new short Army rifle. The record score was made in 1899 by Hongkong— 952, out of a possible 1,050 — the individual scores being: — two each of 100 and 95, and one each of 98, 97, 96, 94, 91, and 86. The conditions are ten shots at 200, 500, and 600 yards, Bisley targets. The record individual score in these com- petitions was made by Mr. A. V. Studd. of Shanghai, in ux/>. His score of 103 included 34 at 200, 35 at 500, and 34 at 600 — only two points below the possible aggregate of 105. Scrgeaiit-Major Davis, R.M.L.I., shooting for fioiigkong in 1903, scored 102, getting a possible at 200, 33 at 500. and 34 at 600 yards. The United Services Rifle CUib holds an annual meeting, at which members of the Volunteer Reserve and the Volunteer Corps compete, and the Volunteers also hold an ainiual three days' meeting. Lieut. Mowbray S. Northcote, of the Hongkong Volunteer Corps, is the secretary of the Rifle Club, and through his efforts, together with the co- operation of Shanghai, Singapore, and Penang, a beautiful shield has been procured for the inter-port contests. Up to date Hongkong has won ten out of seventeen contests, and h.ave been .second thrice, and third five times; Singapore has won four firsts, eight seconds, and six thirds ; Shanghai has won four times, been .second and third seven times each ; while Penang, which has competed only four times, has been fourth on each occasion. The complete record is as follows: —

: Shanghai, 819 ; Singapore, 777 ; 

Hongkong, 774.

: No niatcli. 
: Hongkong, 867 ; Shanghai, 830 ; 

Singapore, 741.

: Hongkong, 835; Shanghai, 810; 

Singapore, 752.

: Hongkong, 822 ; Shanghai, 802 ; 

Singapore, 768.

: Hongkong. 823; Singapore. 817; 

Shanghai, 760.

: Singapore, 934 ; Shanghai, 903 ; 

Hongkong, 879.

: Hongkong, 916 ; Shanghai, 900 ; 

Singapore, 870.

: Singapore, 934, Hongkong, 91ft ; 

Shanghai, 860.

: Hongkong, 934 ; Singapore, 923 ; 

Shanghai, 893.

: Hongkong, 952 ; Singapore, 926 ; 

Shanghai, 887.

: Hongkong, 930 ; Singapore, 909 ; 

Shanghai, 900.

: Hongkong, 901 ; Singapore, 884 ; 

Shanghai, 841 ; Penang, 721.

: Shanghai, 926 ; Singapore, 893 ; 

Hongkong. 870 ; Penang, 861.

: Singapore, 927 ; Shanghai, 915 ; 

Hongkong. 891 ; Penang, 750.

: Singapore, 919 ; Hongkong, 919 ; 

Shanghai, 908.

: Hongkong, 923 ; Shanghai. 889 ; 

Singapore, 800.

: Shanghai, 936 ; Singapore, 909 ; 

Hongkong. 891 ; Penang, 821.

: Shanghai, 943 ; Hongkong, 938 ; 

Singapore, 929, The formation of the Hongkong Volunteer Reserve Association (referred to in another section) gave a very decided impetus to rifle- shooting, and fortnightiv competitions are held on the King's Park" Rifle Range. The most important competition is that for the "Governor's Cup," a fine trophy presented by His Excellency Sir Matthew Nathan, late Governor of the Colony. The conditions of the contest are : — Twelve monthly shoots at 200 and 500 yards alternately, each four- teen shots, the best six to count ; three at 200 yards, and three at 500 yards. The competition for 1907-8, which was con- cluded in March, 1908, produced excellent