company under the Hongkong Companies' Ordinances, and debentures of $500 each were issued, bearing interest at 6 per cent.
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.
