The great festival of the Christian year has come and gone. The charae-{er of the season was preserved in a fall of snow which, turning to sleet, put an end to ull Gul-door. pleasures, ud the whole day: long was as cold asa stone. "Nethertheless, the Christmas festivities brought. to Hangchow air of Joy and happiness. Splendid united meetings were held in. the various churches drawing great crowds of interested people, The aliraclive programmes of recitals and wore greatly appreciated, and outsider was filed with wonder~ ment for on his lips one heard 1 peated the old time question, ask-many: centuries ayo, "What mean by. this service?"
Christian leadership in Hangchow, experience, knowledge instinel, becomes more 'h year, "It foreign mis sionaries "should leave to-morrow. here are in most of the centres a body of efficient young men com: potent for all Church functions who Would carry on. Notwithstanding the rejoinings which this particular season calls forth, the uncertain poll-tical crisis continues to east a gloom, Hangchow isa great sounding board of the province. The latest "broadcast." which Is being enthusiastically discussed. In. social circles, the suggestion of a Hangchow Club, For along time it has been felt, in view of the rapid development of this centre of natural beauty, an up= to-date Club would be an asset, not only to the residents, but to the growing' number of visitors who frequent the scenic environment of the West Lake, "The project is sponsored by Gen. 'Shao Yung, Provincial Chairman, seconded by our good Mayor, toget" with other high officials of the Che-Kiang Government. A select coterie of the Rotary Club membership. has the honour' of Taunching' the. chen and directing its course, Mr, FI. Smith, Postal Commissioner, 1s hon= orary' treasurer, who is backed. by an organizing committee, alive with characteristic' zealand expectation.
Securing a suitable site was the main problem. After much patient prospecting, a most desirable lot now has been successfully negotiated, The plot, adjacent the Japanese Consulate, centrally situated, and affording a magnificent view over West Lake, with sufleient provision for tennis courts and a children's play ground, will make the Lay-out' one' in every Fespoet worthy of "heaven below."
The Constitution makes this new venture international in Its outlook, ini the Club will be a meeting place for social intercourse and recreation fon neutral ground, The management are desirous of providing amenities For the comfort and welfare of its members which will be second to one of any club in China.
'A. sum of $10,000, in debentures, drawing 4 per cent, 18 being raised, Day" in the Ginling sd the appeal ts meeting with an encouraging, response. Arrangements be made whereby introduction certain seeognized clubs fuesis, The maid of honour war Mtiss Shanghai, or clzewhere, will entitle Alice Morse, of Shanghat: the best visitors fo the use of "the, club's felis, during. the time of their Sole Agents
Text read from the printed page and cleaned; old type leaves the occasional error.