interesting ceremony was _performed on Tuesday afternoon at the dock of Messrs. S.. Farnham and Ca., Id., Hongkew, when the first vessel locally built under the German fig was successfully launched in the presence of large and enthusiastic concourse. The Bremen, the new tender built to the order of the Nord-Deutscher Lloyd, is an admire able specimen ut the Company's work, and the fact that H.R.H. Prince Henry of Prussia had signified his intention of being present rendered the function additionally auspicious. Entirely built of steel, the Bremen is intended to act asa tender for the North-German Lloyd Mail Steamers. With this view she will be furnished with towing goat of the strongest description and a shade deck extending about two-thirds Length of the vessel, and steel hous: to be constructed at the forward end, which will be tastefully fitted up for the accommodation of passengers. 'The whole of the after deck and after hold is intended for passengers' baggage and a separate room will be fitted up as mail room. Accommodation for the ship's crew and officers will be provided in the forward tween deck. A steam windlass will be fitted on the forward deck for working anchors and asteam steering gear will be fitted in the engine room worked from the bridge house. "The principal dimensions are 120' by 21' by 11' deep, while the machinery will consist of one set of com-tee 18" and 36" by 27", with a boiler for ound surface-condensing engines, obli supplying steam of 12' 0° diameter by 10°7', long. She will be lighted by electricity and when under way will undoubtedly prove an acquisition to the harbour. It was five minutes past three when the Prince arrived accompanied by Dr. Knappe, I. G. M. Consul-General, the largo and influential gathering including the directors of the constructing company, and officials of the local agency of the Nord-Deutscher Lloyd together with the leading members of the German community and quite a large assemblage of invited guests. The duty of christening had been delegated to Mrs. Korff, wife of the popular manager of Messrs. Melchers & Ca., and this she discharged in the most graceful manner. The Munch was effected stern. foremost, and from the stem, about which a smuli platform had been erected, depended, draped in the national colours, the fateful bottle, All being randy Mrs. Kori set the structure gliding into the river, prefacing the ceremony with the following appropriate lines Den Namen Bremen den trauten Kiang Fiihr' ihn in Ehren, fithre ihn long. Weeke der Heimath tréstend Gudenken In defen die zigend die Schritte lan ken.
In's Unbekannte Und soi vin Prophet von kommenden Gluck Fie die, 40 heseligt ko ren zuriick Zan Heimathh Deino der groszen Sadie gut Im kleine getreu, Dass deutsche Arbeit und deutsche Act Auch hier im Osten wool bewahrt Und sexensceich sei Den Namen Bremen den alton, heron, Fiihre ihn long, fide' ihn in Ehren At the conclusion of the ceremony an adjournment was made to the moulding loft where the customary toasts were proposed and cordially honoured. Mr. Galles, Chairman of Messrs. S.C. Farnham Ao., Ld., returned thinks to Mrs. Korff for the important part she lad played inthe day's proceedings. He asi Your Royal Highness, Ladies and Gentlemen—Mrs. Korff, my colleagues and myself thank you very much for your kindness in coming here to-day tochristen the Nora-Deutscher Lloyd tender Bremen. This vessel is the first one built here to carry the German flag, which ix sprevdiny in the Far East more and more and we hope will continue to do so. Let us further that the Bremen may have the Il successful career on the river Hunngpu, that the Nord-Deutscher-Lloyd enjoying all over the world, Mrs. Korff, thanking you again, allow me to present you with a few flowers in reiemprance of to-day's event." In conclusion he called for three cheers for Mrs. Korff, which were given with the utmost cordiality. Prince Henry in a fow words next proposed success to the Nord-Deutscher Lloyd and remarking on the presence of a number of Englishmen, expressed the hope that the most friendly' relations would always exist between the English and the Germans, and that the black, white, and red would ever wave in harmony with the red, white, and blue (applause). In conclusion he proposed three cheers for the Company which proposition was vocifervusly endorsed. The proceedings were brought to a termination with the toast of the Prince's health proposed by Me Korff. Mr. Korff briefly referred to the fact that this was the Girst occasion on which a German vessel had been launched in Shanghai, xnd inasmuch as Prince Henry had generously assisted ut the ceremony the torist he was sure would be appreciated to the full. The roast was drunk with much enthusiasm, bringing a wholly interesting function to a close.
Prior to the Bremen leaving the ways an untoward accident betel H. R. H. but fortunately was not attended with serious result. As the order was given to release the dogs a fairly large piece of wood fall from the vessel's bow and struck Prince Henry on the head. The Prince applied a handkerchief to the wound, slight asit was stated to be, and covered the same with his hat. He however entered into the subsequent proceedings as though nothing had occurred.
Text read from the printed page and cleaned; old type leaves the occasional error.