Twelve months ago we published an account of the first ball given in the 'Temperance Hall under the auspices of me Engineers' Institute, when we jed ourselves of the opportunity to place before our readers a brief history of the difficulties that had been overcome by the few who started the Institute in the Intter part of 1875; and we pointed out that success had attended their efforts to the extent that there were then over one hundred members, who had comfortable rooms provided for them, with theattracti of @ well-stocked library of books, scientific magazines and periodicals, necommodation for billineds and other games, and that, among other attractions, arrangements had been made for the posting and distribution of members' letters. It is now our intention to add to what we then wrote, a short retrospect of the career of the Institute during the past year. As engineers, both civil and marine, are destined to play an
future in China, their Institute is not an important Bat in connects ith our unimportant association. Conducted with the energy and perseverance which is characteristic of their class, it has been daily forcing itself into greater pr until it has now assumed a p cannot well be passed unrecognized by those interested in the well-being of the Settlement. Great as its attractions were last year, they have undergone considerable extension during the past twelve mouths. The enlargement and re-arrangement of the rooms of the Temperance Hall during Jast summer, gave to the members of the Institute just double the accommodation they previously had, and the rooms, which have been well furnished at an expense of nearly Tls. 3,000, present a cosy and home-like appearance. In this respect, apart from the intellectual and professional benefits that must accrue to its members from the use of the library and the social intercourse of one with another, the Institute now more than ever tends to supply the want that exists amorly the majority of its members by the absence of home influences. With the increased accommodation, came an influx of new members, who now number about one Iinndred and fifty, and in addition to these there are others who are non-residents and as regards the finances there is a credit balance of nearly Tls. 500, with no outstanding liabilities on the furniture account. Though the stitute forms part of tke Temperance Hall building, it is entirely separate and distinct from the Temperance Society, a monthly rental being paid of $100 per month.
With this brief outline of the prosperity the Institute has enjoyed during the past year, and of its present flourishing condition, we proceed to notice the annual ball given by its members on Tuesday evening last, and it would be an injustice to speak of it in other terms than as having been a great success. Itis unnecessary to go through the details of the arrangements made for the comfort, convenience and pleasure of the guests, inasmuch as they Were similar to those of last year, the only differences heinz improvements and elaborations suggested by past experience and the greater suitability of the Lecture Hall, since its enlargement, for the purpose. From the entrance gates in the Nanki Road to the outer staircase leading to the Hall, a covered passage had been made of bamboos and matting, the interior of which was prettily lined with fags, the ground covered with coir matting, and the whole lighted with gas illuminations, thus forming a pleasant promenade, The skill and taste displayed im the decorations of the ballroom were most striking, and unquestionably the Temperance Hall never looker 80 pretty befure as it did on this occasion The floor was covered with American dri the window frames were encircled with reens, Victoria crosses and other similar devices in evergreens and flowers were artistically arranged on the walls, each relieved by the flags, in miniature, of the different hongs and steamer companies interested in the trade of the port, the motto of the Institute, Non sibi sed omnibus, was placed over the platform draped the British and-American national flags, while an elegance was given to the whole by maroon curtains in the doorways, and lace curtains in the windows, which were surmounted with gilded cornices. Great praise was bestowed on these decorations, and no less beautiful were the ornamental tions of the rooms of the Institute, in which an excellent supper was served by Mr. Grimmer, the manager of the Temperance Hall, who, to afford additional accommodation, kindly granted the use of tivo of his own private rooms adj the ball-room, wherein were served refre ments during the whole of the evening while the rooms at the back of the stage were also utilised for the comfort of the ladies. In every respect the arrangements were must complete, and reflected the highest credit on the Ball Committee.
The guests numbered about 70 indies and 150 gentlemen, among whom were representatives from most of the mercantile firms. A programme of nineteen dances was gone through to the strains of the Public Band, and the enjoyment of the guests can be judged of by the fact that it was past two o'clock before there was any diminution in their numbers.
In every respect the ball was a great success, and in years to come it will be looked forward to us one of the most popular reunions of the winter season.
Text read from the printed page and cleaned; old type leaves the occasional error.