Page:Twentieth Century Impressions of Hongkong, Shanghai, and other Treaty Ports of China.djvu/177

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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. 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