The opening cruise took place on the th instant in lovely weather, the only drawback being that the breeze was somewhat light and fitful. The start was notified for o'clock, and shortly after that hour the Commodore led the way up river in the Violet, the others following in order so far as possible—a merry line and a very pretty sight "The Commodore with his ual thoughtfulness had previously dispatched his palatial houseboat, Thistle, to the scene of action, in charge of a steam launch. About 1 o'clock the launch and Thistle came to an anchor on the Pootung side at the top of Pagoda Reach, and owners and friends assembled on board the launch and enjoyed the hospitality of the Commodore by dun! ing success to the Shanghai Yacht Club out of the " Clutha Cup," a trophy commem ing the ma tories of the Commodore's famous yacht. A swim was then indulged in by some, after which tiffin, and subsequently for the more sedate ones a siesta.
Text read from the printed page and cleaned; old type leaves the occasional error.