A Noteworthy Christening Cere-many: Delay in Arrival of British Steamers From Our Own Correspondent, Wuchow, July 8.
A red letter event in Wuchow was declared by many to be an appropriate term for the festival held on Friday, the 6th instant, on the occasion of the christening of the infant daughter of Mr. end Mrs. E. H. Hunter, of the Maritime Customs. By the kindness of Commdr. Crocker and his staff, the ceremony was held at li am. on board H. M. S. Tarantula, whose quarterdcck had been tastefully decorated with flags, lanterns and flowers, and ev&ry accommodation made for the many friends and visitors who assembled. These included the Captain and officers of H. M.
Moorhen, tha Commissioner of Customs and Mrs. Ebara, Mr J. Platt, who stood as godfather, the Vice-Consul and his wife, and most of the Customs foreign staff. The officiating minister was the Right Rev. the Lord Bishop of Victoria, Hongkong. Preceding the church service, at which al] the ship's crew were present, his Lordship gave a short address, reminding all of their distance from the Homeland, their presence on board one of His Majesty's men-of-war in the heart of distressful China, and tha solemnity and majesty of assembling for praise and reference to the great God andi Creator of mankind. The soong was inspiring as the Bishon stood with the tiny form of the babe in his arms whilst administering to her the first rites of tha Church, and in a clear and audible voice gave her the. name of Dorothy Haslett. The service concluded with the singing of the Nation"l Anthem, and was followed by reception given on board by the Commander, ati which refrdshments were served liberally and the toast of the day duly honoured. Some snapshots were made before the dispersal of the party, and then, with the Bishop on board, the Tarantula proceeded down stream to assist the British shipping, some days overdue and reported to be held up by the conflicting Kuangtung and Kuangsi forces.
Text read from the printed page and cleaned; old type leaves the occasional error.