This view is taken at the junction between North Canal Road and New Bridge Road overlooking Hong Lim Green and the back of the Police Courts. In the centre of the green—named after Hokkien merchant Cheang Hong Lim—is the clubhouse of the Straits Chinese Recreation Club, which began activities at the end of 1884. It was mentioned by ‘The Straits Times’ of 14 January 1885 as a club for the purpose of playing lawn tennis, cricket and the practising of English athletic sports. The octagonal pavilion designed by H.D. Richards was officially opened to members on 2 July 1887 by Chinese consul Tso Ping Lung. Musical entertainment was provided by the band of the Second South Lancashire Regiment. Hong Lim Green had the honour of being Singapore’s first public park managed by the Municipality.
