voile a0 asked to publish the following letter Dear Sm,—I have the honour to hand you, herewith, cheque for $230 being the entire proceeds of the Neutral Relief Fund Concert given at the Hotel des Colonies on the 29th ultimo, Many thanks are due to the distinguished ladies of the Consular Body who so kindly extended their patronage to the concert, and to Mrs. Cochrane, Mrs. Holter, Mrs. Lanphier, Mrs. Shorrock, Messrs. Bontin, Berner, V. Meyer, Oudin, Raaschou and Valenza. who contributed to make up the very successful programme of the even ing, to Mz. Lemidre whose assistance in the general arrangements was invaluable, to Messrs, Moutrie and Ca. for the loan of their piano, to the Oriental Press for the free printing of the elaborate programmes, to the "'North-China Daily News," "Echo do Chine," "Shanghai Times," and all the leading opens for the free advertisements and to all those who lent their kind assistance in this connection, especially Commander Pertius of the Seeadler whose men so artistically decorated the ball.
I may mention that the chains used on this occasion were placed at my disposal by the French Municipality, but that all the other expenses, such as the electric light decorations, the floral decorations, the Town Band and general expencos were borne by Thanking you also for the great interest Hotel des Colonies Ca., Ld. taken in this charity undertaking, I remain, Dear Six, Your obedient servant, (Signed) J. M. Tavanes, Manager, Hotel des Colonies Ca., Ld. 1. 0. L, Bunwen, Esq.
May, 1904.
Text read from the printed page and cleaned; old type leaves the occasional error.