To the Editor of the "Nonru-Cuuwa Dany News"
Sm—Could any of your readers enlighten me as to which is the oldest established Club in Shanghai? The Rowing Club claims to date back to 1864 but there may well be older Clubs of which Tam not aware. Pz Shanghai, May 5.
Cricket or Books 'To the Editor of the "Nonru-Ciima Day News'
Nowri-Cumva Darty News"
Your correspondent NH, jin your issue of the 6th inst, makes Jenquiry regarding the oldest Club in Shanghai. To assist him in obtain ing the Information he requires 1 would say that the ADE. was constituted under its present name, fe. The Amateur Dramatic Club of Shanghai, on January 1, 1860, 0 copy of the original Rules and Constitu: tion being still in existence. Actual ly, although under other names, the Club had been in existence for many years previously, having been known as "The Footpads" and "Rovers", and performances were given in the early ities in theatres known as "Theatre Royal, Shanghai", "Imperial Theatre, [Shanghai", and programmes of these performances can be seen hung on the walls of the Lyceum Theatre: to-day.
Actually these old theatres were merely godowns with stages erected and patrons provided themselves with their own seating accommodation, chairs being sent by coolles from residences prior to the performances.
Text read from the printed page and cleaned; old type leaves the occasional error.