( 122 )
Honourable T. H. WHITEHEAD.—I think you will find it embodied in that report, the report on the petition, in which you recommended the Government to meet the wishes of the Pó Leung Kuk Society. I view it as increased powers.
Witness. I have not read the report.
Honourable T. H. WHITEHEAD.-Section 7 of the enclosure No. 1, in that report says:-
-"Last spring, the Government deeply moved with anxiety for the future of the Society, advised the late Directors to attempt to raise a subscription. Accordingly, after consultation with the members of the Tung Wa Hospital, it was decided to do so. In the 6th moon, the management of the Society was handed over to Petitioners, and they have since been urged repeatedly by Your Honour to exert themselves to raise the subscription. Up to date, a sum of more than 30,000 dollars has been promised by charitable persons. This may be fairly considered a success and it is owing to Your Honour's assistance that it has been subscribed with so much good will."
When the Pó Léung Kuk say that it is owing to the Registrar General's assistance that the sum of $30,000 has been subscribed with such good will do you understand the Pó Leung Kuk Committee to say that the Registrar General exercised his official position and influence in aiding the Society in receiving subscriptions?
A.-I don't think so.
Q.-Can you tell me what they do mean by that statement?
A.-I am afraid they do not understand what they mean themselves. They simply do so by way of eulogising the Registrar General.
Honourable Ho KAI.-It is complimentary?
A.--Yes.
-That is the usual mode with the Chinese?
A. Yes.
Q.-Is it not true that in sending a letter to a friend when you may have succeeded in doing something with which he had absolutely nothing to do you would use the expression that you are dependent on his good luck or his kind assistance--although he might have nothing to do with it at all?
A.-Exactly, yes.
Honourable C. P. CHATER.-You say you became Deputy Chairman of the Pó Léung Kuk Society?
A. Yes.
Q. How did you become so?
A.-I was appointed.
Q. Who appointed you?
A.—I don't know how the appointment was made. I was not present. I received
an intimation that I was appointed, asking me whether I would accept.
Q.-By whom were you invited?
A. In the name of the Pó Leung Kuk.
Q. What gave you the information? Who wrote to you?
A.-In the name of the Pó Léung Kuk, the chop of the Pó Léung Kuk.
Q. Did the Secretary?
A-Nobody sent it; simply the chop.
Q. That you were appointed Deputy Chairman?
A. Yes.
Page 765Page 766