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The bastion of colonial clubs, the Hong Kong Club, has surrendered to the demands of changing times and laws and will allow women members.

 The gentlemen's club is also likely to drop its ban on women using the smoke-filled billiards room and bowling alley bar.

 Changes to the club's memorandum of articles making it 'politically correct' were concluded at a meeting earlier this month. Women may now join in their own right as members.

 The relaxation of the rules at the 153-year-old club, in order to comply with anti-discrimination laws, has set some stiff upper lips quivering in complaint.

 'They will probably rip the green felt on the billiard tables,' said one member.

 Chairman Stuart Leckie said: 'I could imagine one or two of the more traditional members would raise an eyebrow.'  He said the Sex Discrimination Ordinance gave the club no alternative but to change.

 'Personally I am in agreement with the ordinance; other people say the club should have changed years ago.'  Wives or subscribers who are widows of previous members have been allowed into the club. However, as non-members they have been excluded from areas such as the members' bar during lunchtime, and the billiards room and Bowling Alley Bar at other times.

 The Bowling Alley with its 'spit and sawdust' was the last male bastion, said one member. 'Coolies', as he described them, in white jackets, were paid to reset the pins. For the cynics who had wondered whether women might be left on the waiting list, Mr Leckie said: 'I can assure you that they will be accepted.'  Immediate past chairman Richard Bennett said some members felt aggrieved that local laws did not contain an exemption, which had been used by clubs in Britain. The club traditionally will not disclose details of how members are selected or how much it costs to join.



Hong Kong Club to let women join