The social event of the week was the German Ball given on the 25th inst. by the members of the Teutonic community. Never had the City Hail beamed a more brilliant welcome to the guests than it did on Wednesday night. The word Wilkommen showed in a huge transparency across the entrance, and a great gas star above made a blaze of light in front. Inside, the entrance was most tastefully decorated, and quite a triumph of display was attained on thestaircase and landing, with the design of which Mr. P. Brewitt' is, I understand, to be credited. The ball-rooms, the ante-room, and the supper-room were all quietly draped, and ornamented with shields, portraits, and busts of the great. men and women who have helped to make united Germany. The theatre was used for supper, and the stage was converted into a bower of ferns and foliage plants, whose greenery contrasted many. The numerous men-of-war in port were all gaily dressed, as also were the German merchantmen. At noon royal salutes were fired by all the warships. About 10 a.m. Admiral von Diederichs landed at Murray's Pier, where the Band, the Goat, and a guard of honour with the colours of the Royal Welsh Fusiliers were drawn up to receive him. Detachments of bluejackets and marines were also landed from the various ships of the German squadron and were marched up to St. John's Cathedral igiseet at the disposal of the German Fleet by the Bishop) and attended a pedal service there. Pastor Kriele con-lucred the service and preached in German, The Band of the Deutschland, assisted by Mr. A. G. Ward at the organ, led the musical part of the service, which was most impressively rendered. It comprised many fine old German chorales, After the sermon Handel's Largo was played by band and organ. In addition to the officers and crews there were present Prince and Princess Henry of Prussia, Sir Henry and Lady Blake, General and Mrs. Gascoigne, the well with the scarlet unite of the Band Germ: an Consul, and other residents, the of the Royal Welsh fusiliers, who supplied Church being crowded to its utmost capacity. the music at supper. A string band drawn A tiffin was subsequently given at the Club from the various ships of the German squad-Germania and Prince Henry and the officers ron played the dance music, and did so in of the German Fleet were entertained, splendid time. Their Royal Highnesses The stay of the Prince and Princess of ince and Princess Henry of Prussia, toge-Prussia in Hongkong will, I hear, be prother with the Governor and Lady Blak longed for some weeks a3 their projected arrived after the first dance, and took an visit to Bangkok has been postponed until act ive part in the festivities. Admiral Sir after their trip to Kiaochou.
Edward Seymour, General and Mrs. Gas-
Text read from the printed page and cleaned; old type leaves the occasional error.