A pleasant little ceremony took place at the Union Jack Club last Friday, when a presentation was made to the Stewards and members of the Shanghai Race Club by way of acknowledging the practical interest which has been taken in the welfare of the British bluejacket, and also to mark the fourth anniversary of the establishment of the Union Jack Club. The gift, a clock of imposing—dimensions, was subscribed for by the Petty. Officers and men of the Yangtze Gunboats, many of whom are on the point of leaving for Home, and at their special request, Mr, W. S. Jackson was asked to receive the presentation, this in recognition of the very keen interest he took in the formation of the Club and his part in making a success. The ceremony was well attended. by Stewards and members of the Club, and the sailors turned up in force.
Mr. G. H. Stitt, Chairman of Stewards, first expressed the appreciation of the Club in finding their interest in the Club so well appreciated by the men. It was most gratifying, and it was very fitting, he added, and gave members great pleasure, that Mr, Jackson had been asked to receive the gift since he had displayed the utmost keenness and zeal in the affairs of the Club (applause).
Mr. E. A. Johnson, a member of the staff at the Naval Office, made the presentation on behalf of the Petty Officers and men. They were, he said, well aware of the extent to which the Race Club supported the Union Jack Club, and they greatly appreciated the benefits and comfort of the Club, In a place like Shanghai, which was not a sailors' town, they were very glad indeed to have a club like that to go to, a home of their own. Referring to "the passing of the Kinshal" Mr. Johnson expressed the hope that the powers that be might be induced to put "a little hit of the old ship" in the Club, to be a reminder of many happy days.
Mr. Jackson, who was given a very cordial reception, said Petty Officers and Men of His Majesty's Yangtze Gunboats: It gives me great pleasure to thank you on behalf of the members of the Shanghai Race Club for this magnificent clock which you have presented to the Race Club through mo to-day and I need hardly tell you that I feel very proud of the fact that you have nominated me to receive this presentation. This clock will adorn the Coffee Room of the Race Club, and I am_ sure willie admired and appreciated by all the members, more particularly so because it is presented by the Lower Deck of the Gunboats without any influence or suggestion from their Officers: in fact, that you have done it off your own bat. Unfortunately, the
Text read from the printed page and cleaned; old type leaves the occasional error.