Twentieth Century Impressions of Hongkong, Shanghai, and other Treaty Ports of China/Hongkong Social Institutions
HONGKONG SOCIAL INSTITUTIONS.
THE HONGKONG CLUB.
The Hongkong Club, or "the Club," as it is more often termed, is the premier institution of the kind in the Colony, and one of the finest and most luxurious in the Far East. Its establishment dates back to the year 1846, and, as most of the old members have long since passed away, its early history is to a large extent forgotten. As far as can be gathered, however, it was inaugurated as a "Taipans' Club," for the convenience of, and as a place of meeting for, the heads of the large hongs then existing in the Colony. These gentlemen were some eight in number, and it is recorded that they occupied premises in Queen's Road nearly facing the Post Office. They obtained and held the property on the understanding that it should not be sold while any of them lived, and on those lines the Club served its purpose for many years, until only two of the original founders remained. These gentlemen disposed of the property, which was rented by the newly formed members' Club in 1886. An excellent opportunity for acquiring a new site presented itself when Sir Paul Chater's scheme of reclamation was undertaken, and upon a block of the reclaimed land the Club erected the present commodious building, with its commanding position fronting the harbour. The main building is three storeys high. Additional accommodation becoming necessary in course of time, an annexe was erected, and the two buildings were linked together by a covered way. The main building was completed and occupied in July, 1897, and the annexe in 1903. The Club is handsomely appointed throughout. There are nine billiard tables, a fine bowling alley, spacious dining, reading, and general rooms, bars, and living accommodation for 34 guests, some of the rooms being let to members at monthly rates, and the remainder reserved for visitors to the Colony. Electric lights and fans are fitted throughout, and electric lifts give ready access to the upper floors. The Club also houses a fine library, which consists of 15,608 works in 18,091 volumes. The resident membership at the present time is about five hundred. His Excellency the Governor, His Excellency the Admiral, and His Excellency the General Officer commanding the Forces are honorary members. Ordinary members are admitted only by ballot, and visitors for a term not exceeding three months may be proposed by members of the Club. Officers of the Army and Navy resident in the Colony are admitted by ballot as subscribers; whilst officers of the Navy not stationed in the Colony, but staying here for short periods, are invited to become visitors. The Club is managed by a committee of nine, elected annually, sub-divided so that the different departments of the work may be dealt with more easily. A chairman is elected from their number. The staff consists of the secretary, the assistant secretary, two European stewards, and about two hundred Chinese servants.
THE PEAK CLUB.
Perched on the crest of the hill from which it takes its name, and commanding a charming and extensive view of the south-west side of the island and of the wide expanse of water, dotted with blue-grey islands, that stretches beyond, stands the bungalow of the Peak Club, surrounded by three tennis courts, a croquet lawn, and a garden that is always bright with flowers. The premises were specially built to serve their present purpose, and comprise drawing, reading, and card rooms, with a bar and the usual offices. Here between the hours of 5 o'clock and 7·30 in the evening bridge holds sway. Sometimes before and sometimes after dinner small but most enjoyable dances are held, and on these occasions the drawing and reading rooms are thrown into one. while the verandah forms a pleasant and cool retreat during the intervals. The latest newspapers and magazines may be seen in the reading room, which contains also a small library. Ladies of a member's family are admitted to the privileges of membership, and altogether the Club serves as a charming and convenient centre for social intercourse among the residents of the neighbourhood.
The idea of establishing the Club originated with Sir Thomas Jackson, Bart. (then chief manager of the Hongkong and Shanghai Banking Corporation), the late Major Moore, and several other Peak residents, in the year 1893. The house known as "The Homestead," now occupied by Lieut.-Colonel Carter, was taken on a short lease from its owner, the late Mr. Granville Sharp, and, as the regulations provided that the ladies of a member's family were privileged to make use of the Club, it was soon found that a long-felt want had been supplied. A committee of management was formed, presided over by Sir Thomas Jackson, who continued in office until his retirement from the Colony, while Major Moore carried out the duties of honorary secretary.
THE OLD PREMISES OF THE HONGKONG CLUB.
In the early days of the Club's existence the number of Peak residents was not great, and the Club's membership was consequently small. As a natural consequence the Club was not, for some time, upon a sound financial basis. Sir Thomas Jackson, however, was a firm believer, not only in the future prosperity of the Club, but also in the benefit its existence would prove to the community, and with his assistance the Club was enabled to tide over all financial difficulties.
In 1897 the tenancy of "The Homestead" expired, and the owner refused to renew it except upon such terms as rendered it impossible for the Club to entertain his proposal. Fortunately, at this time, the then Governor of Hongkong, Sir William Robinson, was a man who, like Sir Thomas Jackson, believed that a social club at the Peak was a necessary institution, and, in compliance with the request of the committee of the Club, he granted them at a nominal rent a three years' lease of the Government Pavilions at the Peak, which had remained unused for several years, and were in a ruinous condition. The Government Pavilions were then repaired, and the Club entered into occupation in the latter part of 1897. About this time Major Moore (to whom the members of the Club were greatly indebted for the tactful and energetic manner in which he performed the duties of honorary secretary) died in the Colony, and Capt. (now Lieut.-Colonel) Long, A.S.C., accepted the appointment of honorary secretary, and retained it, except during short intervals of leave, until his departure for South Africa in 1899. Both Major Moore and Colonel Long acquitted themselves so well in the office that it has become customary to select their successors from the military officers residing at the Peak. The only departure from this practice was when Mr. C. D. Wilkinson (the present chairman) occupied the position in the absence of Captain Lay, and later when Mr. O. D. Thomas and afterwards Mr. A. G. M. Fletcher undertook and admirably performed the duties. For a short time the position of honorary secretary was held by Colonel Carter, who still retains a warm interest in the Club and is always ready to devote both his time and experience to furthering the interests of the members. At the present time, the honorary secretary is Captain Thompson, R.A., who succeeded Captain Quinnell.
In 1902 notice was given by the Government to the committee of the Club, that the pavilions were again required for the purposes for which they had originally been erected, and it therefore became necessary to seek for other premises. No house in a central position or at all suitable for the purposes of the Club was obtainable, and it appeared probable that the Club must cease to exist. However, Sir Thomas Jackson and several old Peak residents expressed their readiness to subscribe part of the funds required for the purpose of acquiring, or building, permanent club premises. Others, including Sir Paul Chater, who took a keen interest in the welfare of the Colony, offered to subscribe the remainder of the money; and thereupon negotiations were entered into with Messrs. Butterfield & Swire and the Hongkong and Shanghai Bank for the purchase or lease of the site upon which stands the present building. Eventually that land was acquired by the Club upon advantageous terms, and steps were taken to erect the club building upon it. Prior to this being done it was considered advisable, indeed necessary, in the interests of those who had promised to provide the required funds, to form the Club into a corporate body. Accordingly memoranda and articles of association were prepared, and the Club was registered as a
PEAK CLUB.
Since this reconstruction the position of the Club has steadily improved, until now it is on a thoroughly firm financial footing and has justified the belief entertained of its future by Sir T. Jackson and others associated with him in its foundation. The present chairman is Mr. C. D. Wilkinson, one of the few remaining original members.
THE PHOENIX CLUB.
The Phœnix Club had its origin in the Hongkong Bowling Club, which was founded in 1898 as a limited company with a capital of $1,250 in shares of $25. The bowling alleys were formerly situated in No. 1, Wyndham Street, but, as time went on, and the Club attained wider popularity, an opportunity presented itself (in 1902) of leasing the old premises of the German Club on the opposite side of the same street. The scope of the Club was considerably extended, and the membership of the Club was still further increased. In September, 1907, the Phœnix Club, Limited, was formed, and the capital increased to $2,500 divided amongst all the members, so that each should have a direct interest in the management. The roll now numbers nearly two hundred members, and includes a number of captains of vessels—indeed the Club has become a recognised meeting-place for masters of the mercantile marine of practically all European nations. There are a number of visiting members, and the courtesies of the Club are always extended to naval officers. There are four bowling alleys, as well as reading, card, and billiard rooms. The Club is managed by a committee consisting of a chairman and six members, elected annually. The permanent secretary is Mr. E. Granville Jordan.
ST. GEORGE'S CLUB.
This Club was founded in 1905, and is purely a social institution. The membership varies considerably, as is only natural with a population of so migratory a character as that possessed by Hongkong, but it averages about 120. The club premises were at first in Ice House Street, but larger rooms were speedily required, and at Christmas, 1906, the headquarters were removed to Des Voeux Road. Here there is a well-stocked library and a billiard room containing two excellent tables, upon which both Mr. W. H. Stevenson and Mr. Inman have given exhibition games. From time to time bridge and billiard tournaments are arranged, several cups having been presented for competition. Enjoyable house concerts are often promoted by the members. Not a little of the success of the Club is due to Mr. A. Cunningham, who was responsible for its organisation, and to Mr. Lloyd, the first secretary and chairman of committee. The present chairman is Mr. R. F. Hume, and the duties of secretary and treasurer are discharged by Mr. Todd and Mr. T. Chee.
THE CLUB GERMANIA.
The growth of the German Club has gone hand in hand with the growth of Teutonic influence in the Far East. Founded in November, 1859, (he first premises were situated near the present officers' quarters in Queen's Road East. In March of the following year larger premises in Lower Wyndham Street, opposite the German Consulate, were leased, and here the Club remained until the building now occupied by the Phœnix Club was completed. This structure, which was erected specially for the Club, upon their giving an undertaking to lease it for not less than ten years, was formally opened on February 2, 1872, in the presence of His Excellency the Governor, and a large number of local residents and dignitaries. With increasing membership these premises eventually became too small, and in 1899 it was decided to build a new club house. An excellent site upon the Kennedy Road was chosen, and on December 31, 1902, the splendid building known as the Club Germania was opened. Spacious and most comfortably appointed, the building contains large dining, reading, and billiard rooms, an extensive and well-stocked library, and several fine bowling alleys. The ordinary subscription is $9 a month, with an entrance fee of $20 for resident members, and there are special terms for absent members and visitors. The roll on January 1, 1908, included 139 present members, 101 absent members, 5 visiting members, and 4 honorary members. Election to the Club is by ballot. The committee is elected annually, and consists of the president and 8 other resident members.
THE CLUB LUSITANO.
This Club, the membership of which is confined to the Portuguese, was founded some forty years ago, and is consequently one of the oldest social institutions in the Colony. A limited number of debentures ($75 each) are held by the members, who have to pay an entrance fee of $5, and a monthly subscription of $3. The Club passed through various vicissitudes, but now, largely owing to the efforts of Mr. F. J. V. Jorge and other friends and supporters of the institution, it is in a sound condition. The premises in Shelley Street were specially erected to serve the purposes of a club, and are, therefore, very conveniently arranged. The billiard room contains four tables, and the library, the "Bibliotheca Lusitana," stocked with some ten thousand volumes, chiefly Portuguese literature, is one of the most extensive in the Far East. A spacious ballroom is often used for the presentation of amateur theatricals, for which the Club members have gained quite a high reputation, and there are also several rooms for residential purposes. Mr. F. J. V. Jorge is president of the Club, which is managed by a committee of six directors and a salaried secretary.
THE NIPPON CLUB.
The Japanese, of whom there are quite a large number in the Colony, also have a social institution of their own. It was founded, owing to the efforts of Messrs. K, Matsda and Todon in 1903, under the name of Yamato Kai (Association of Japanese), and in August of the following year premises were obtained in Queen's Road. In February, 1906, the Club moved to its present quarters in Ice House Street, and the name was changed to the more appropriate one of the Nippon Club. Membership is confined to Government officials and employees in the banks, the shipping, and the larger commercial houses. There are at present 78 names upon the roll, and the accommodation provided is ample, including billiard, dining, and reading rooms, as well as quarters reserved for the convenience of guests. All the leading Japanese passing through the Colony pay a visit to the Club, and the visitors have included Prince Fushimi, Prince Kuni, Count Otani, and Admiral Tamari. Many of them have made liberal donations to a fund for the Club's improvement. The president is Mr. Kobayashi, of the Mitsui Busan Kaisha.
THE CHINESE CLUB.
What the Hongkong Club is to Europeans the Chinese Club is to the Chinese—the leading social institution of the community. Founded by Mr. Ho Tung, the first occupant of the presidential chair, in 1899, the Chinese Club had then a membership of 240, During Mr, Fung Wa Chun's term of office the numbers fell to 165, and whilst Mr. Tam Tsz Kong was president there was a further decline to 152 members. In 1905 Mr. Sin Tak Fan assumed the direction of affairs, and he succeeded in raising the membership to upwards of 200. He still holds the office of president, and has the satisfaction of knowing that the Club is now in a very prosperous condition. The large premises, situated in Queen's Road Central, are well furnished, and contain a fine library, as well as provision for billiards and other forms of recreation. The rules of the Club are modelled on those of the Hongkong Club, and, as in the European institution, the members extend their hospitality to distinguished men passing through the Colony. Prince Shun was lavishly entertained when on his way to the Coronation of King Edward VII., and the recent Chinese Embassy to Berlin, also, were the guests of the Club during their stay in Hongkong.