top left - Old Peak Road entrance ,center - unkempt tennis courts and the tiny Old Clubhouse. Tennis court uphill from the clubhouse looks like it may have still be usable. (click image to see full harbour panorama)

Hedda Morrison Collection 1946-47

When the war finished, it was a scene of desolation which met members on their return. The Club then has been described as "a car park and a slag heap." Apparently the Japanese had begun to alter the shape of the grounds in preparation for the erection of a shrine.

Tremendous problems had to be faced to get the Club on its feet again. The Club today, with all its amenities and comforts, virtually did not exist in 1945. Its reconstruction was carried through by the hard work and enthusiasm of the Committees, as well as of members and friends of the Club, including many commercial firms.

AFTER the refurbishment described below

Pan Am photo (click to zoom)

1946

In April 1946, the Club officially passed into the hands of Mr. S. Jarvis, of the Hongkong Electric Co. and Mr. J.F. Marshall of the Hongkong and Shanghai Bank.

Then on December 30th an Extraordinary General Meeting was held in the South China Morning Post Board Room to set up the Club organisation once more and to begin to tackle the problems of reconstruction. Mrs. Digby was elected President, and she and her Committee were authorised to borrow funds from HSBC to restore the courts and clubhouse to 1941 standards.

It was estimated that $50,000 would be needed. Obviously money was more important than ever, and entrance fees were raised to $50 and $75 for single and double [married couple] memberships, and half yearly subscriptions were also increased to $40 and $50.

It was also decided to discontinue the election of Naval members.

1947

By the end of the next year, 1947, much had been done, 5 red brick and 1 concrete courts had been rehabilitated, tournaments were played, membership was up to pre-war level at 322 members, and a Junior section was started.

The "Hong Cup - Men's Doubles Handicap" trophy was first awarded. It was won in 1947 by H.J. Armstrong and W.C.Hung for Deacons. It is the oldest trophy in the Club's possesion.

Further improvements were planned, for among other things more courts were needed, and so the Committee invited Mr. R.W.A. Mackichan to survey and plan further development of the Club grounds with a view to including additional amenities. The major scheme to emerge from this was, of course, ... the building of the swimming-pool.