The opening of the splendid new building of the Yokohama Specie Bank at noon on Saturday was of fan entirely informal character; indeed, 20 important an occasion in the history of the bank could searcely have been accompanied by Tess ceremony. On behalf of the architects. (Messrs. Palmer Turner), Mr. M. H, Logan presented a beautifully wrought golden key to the manager of the bank (Mr. Gengo Hashidaumo), with the com piiments of the firm and best wishes for the prosperity of the bank. With this informal little ceremony, the doors were thrown open and sts were free to inspect the very There was a very large atten fully representative of the business and official world of Shanghai, many hundreds being visitors between the hours of noon and 2 o'clock. All wore impressed by this exceedingly fine addition to Shanghai's new business houses, @ testimony to the skill of the architects and to the progress of the bank. The interior design of the building is fully in keeping with its handsome exterior, the main hall of noble proportions occupying the entire ground floor area. In office accommodation, strong rooms, ete, the bank is admirably equipped.
'When business is commenced in the new building, which will be on Jor about August 1, the Bank will have completed $1 years of progressive activity in Shanghai. The branch was first opened in May, 1893, in small premises in the Nanking' Road. In the following year, Jo move was made to No. 21 the Bund, the building now occupied by: the Netherlands Trading. Society, but business was continued here for twelve months only, the outbreak the Sino-Japanese war necessitate ing. suspension of the bank's activity' jin Shanghai. Business was resumed
Text read from the printed page and cleaned; old type leaves the occasional error.