The Hongkong Bank in Singapore, 1877–1902 — Celebration
Singapore, December 1877. The Hongkong and Shanghai Banking Corporation opens for business in a city where reliable currency is scarce, silver is losing value against sterling, and much of commerce rests on trust and reputation.
Please join me for the launch of my account of the branch's first twenty-five years — its work financing trade, its pursuit of the right to issue bank notes, and the occasional crises, from a banknote forgery to the theft of $272,000 from the vault.
PROGRAMME
5:00 pm — Doors open, with coffee, tea and finger snacks.
5:45 pm — Guests take their seats.
6:00 pm — Opening speech.
6:30 pm — Book collection .
7:30 pm — Close.
A complimentary signed copy of the book for every guest. A voluntary cash donation is welcome at the collection table, entirely at your discretion, in aid of the Garden City Fund and the Singapore Wildcat Action Group.