A highly interesting mark of the appreciation in which the Hongkong & Shanghai Banking Corporation is held by Chinese merchants and public men has just been given. It has taken the form of the presentation to tha Bank of a very handsome model of a pagoda by two of the leading members of the Chinese community, Mr. Chu Pao-san, the well-known merchant and shipowner who has for long been at the head of the activities of the Chinese Chamber of Commerce. and Mr. Fu Siao-en, managing director of the Commercial Bank of 'China, and a Director of the China Merchants Steam Nawvigation Ca. Advantage was taken of the presence in Shanghai of Mr. A. G. Stephen, chief manager of the Bank, to make the presentation, the souvenir being handed over to him and to' Mr. G. H. Stitt, the local manager.
The pagoda, which stands about 10 ft. in height, is one of those works of art which it is the envy of all art collectors to possess. As stated, there are seven storeys, each one containing a beautifully carved joss. One or two of these ave in devotional attitude, while others hold sacred relics. From the beautifully carved eaves hang bells, perfect in every detail ae well as tone. The attention to strict detail in a work of this kind is remarkable, for not only does a broad flight of steps lead to the ground floor. but each storey is provided with a balcony carried out in correct proportion to the whole.
As mentioned, the pagoda is an extremely attractive piece of workmanship, and it may be hoped that for long it will adorn the interior of the Bank here.
Text read from the printed page and cleaned; old type leaves the occasional error.