Once again St. Andrew's Ball has come and gone. This function has been an annual event for so many years that it must tax the inventive faculties of mem-bors of the Decoration Committee soveroly. Nevertheless they came out on to} this year. The huge thistle at the head of the stairs leading to the ball-room and composed of electric lights with ite crimson centro was muth admired, as indeed was the general decoration, the tout ensemble forming a charming picture. H. E. the Administrator and Mrs. May" arrived punctually at 9 o'clock, and dancing commenced at. once, and was kept up with much spirit till the early hours of Ist December. The supper was served as usual in the theatre, which put on festive dress for the occasion, the President's table being placed on the stage; snd shortly before 12 o'clock, President Playfair led the way thither with Mrs. May, followed by H. E. the Administrator with Mrs. Playfair. The ball-rooms were crammed, which made the steering of partners and keeping them out of danger a clean and difficult piece of work. The function was, as usual, a great success.
The China Association. of his eyesight giving him trouble, Mr, I regret to learn that, in consequdice
Playfair, the energetic Chairman of the Hongkong Branch of this body, has felt compelled to resign that post. At a recent meeting of the Committee, Mr. Playfair tendered his resignation, and Mr. Wilcox, who had been acting during Mr. Playfair's recent absence in Seanad was elected Chairman.
Text read from the printed page and cleaned; old type leaves the occasional error.