Last night the Tarantula Society gave their second dance of the season, which was well attended and went off very suc cessfully. 'The staircase and landing were prettily decorated with plants in pots, ferns, ete. During the week Lady Gascoigne gave' a dance at Headquarter House, and two or three private dances have taken place, all of which were much appreciated by the lovers of pleasure, who muster very strongly in Hongkong. The Heavy Gun {Challenge Trophy.
The pleasing office of presenting to the winning ship's company of H.MS. Terrible, the China Squadron Heavy Gun Challenge Trophy, devolved upon Mrs. Perey Scott the other day. The trophy, which was gracefully presented by Mrs. Scott, was formally accepted by the senior warrant-officer, Gunner W. Mathers, on behalf of the ship's company. Captain Scott complimented the winners upon their success and hoped in any future competition they would be equally successful.
H. M. Naval Yard Extension.
The first block of the foundation for the extension of H.M. Royal Naval Yard was Jaid on the 15th inst. by Mrs. Powell, wife of Commodore Powell, C.B., in the pro-sence of a large number of military, naval, and civilian residents, including H.E, Gen. Sir W. Gascoigne, h.C.M.G., Act ing Governor. Those who were to take part in the ceremony of laying the fir block, viz., Commodore and Sirs. Powell, general Sir W. Gascoigne, Vice-3 al sir Cyprian Bridue. K.C.B., Rear-Admiral Grenfell, C.Mf.G., and the neers connected with the work, were out ina launch to the landing stage, where they disembarked. The foundation block was then lowered into its place, fifty oid fect below the level. and adjusted by divers. Prayer was then offered by the Rev, OK. H. Good. R.N.. and followed by the hymn, "0 Goa, our help in ages past," which was sung to the accompaniment of massed naval is stationed near. Upon the signal of the divers that all was ready, Mrs. Powell cut the attached ribbon and declared the "stone to be well and truly laid," during which time the band was playing a lively selection of music. Upon the conclusion of this function those who had participated in it returned to the shore, where the Large number of guests awaited them under an awning of flags. The ceremony of laying the tablet stone at the head of the dock was then proceeded with, the stone being lowered and levelled, after which Mrs. Powell tapped Lao declared it "well and truly Jaid."
superintending engineer then asked Mrs. Powell to accept the trowel and mallet. which were beautifully chased and of fine design. us a souvenir of the event. The inscription on the trowel Fdward the VI. Admicsivs Naval "In the reign of His Majesty Kin; Yard Extension Works, Hongkon: Commodore F. Powell. C.B.. R. superintendent. Presented fo Mrs. Francis Powell on the occasion of actting She) feat foundation block, 15tl January,
Text read from the printed page and cleaned; old type leaves the occasional error.