D'ALMADA e CASTRO
The wedding took place yesterday of Mr. Leo D'Almada e Castro, Junior a barrister, belonging to family with such a long connection with the Colony that its members deserve mention in any history of Hongkong. The family came over practically at the foundation of the Colony, but their connection with the British goes back ninety-seven years ago, to 1836, two brothers Leonardo and Jose Maria D'Almada e Castro, joining the service of Captain Elliot R.N., in that year at Macao, and coming with the Captain to Hongkong when he became Administrator here in 1841.
J. M. D'Almada e Castro was the grandfather of the young man married yesterday, and at the time of his death in 1881 held the office in Hongkong of acting Chief Clerk and Clerk of Councils. The old records state that he was a younger brother of Leonardo and at the date of his death January 23, 1881 was fifty-eight years of age and one of the oldest Government officials in the Colony; having entered the service of the local administration in January 1841. He was later appointed by Sir Henry Pottinger to be third clerk in the Colonial Secretary's office and in December 1877, the then Governor, Sir John Hennessy appointed Mr. J. M. D'Almada e Castro to be his Private Secretary, showing his appreciation of the old gentleman's fidelity and trustworthiness.
The elder brother, Leonardo D'Almada e Castro died in 1875 and regarding him I quote the record in Norton Kyshe's work on the Laws and Courts of Hongkong:
"The death took place on the 15th January (1875) of Mr. Leonardo D'Almada e Castro, Chief Clerk in the Colonial Secretary's Office and Clerk of Councils, at the age of sixty-one.
"At a meeting of the Legislative Council on the 23rd February in the absence of the Governor, the Chief Justice, Sir John Smale referred to the death of Mr. D'Almada e Castro its sad circumstances, and his long service, both under the Superintendency of Trade, which was formerly vested in the Governor of Hongkong and as Clerk of Councils. Sir John Smale dwelt at length on Mr. D'Almada's high qualifications, zeal, discretion, and conduct of business and moved as follows:
"That this Council greatly regrets the death of Leonardo Almada e Castro, Esq., the oldest public servant in this Colony who having in 1836 entered the service of the Crown in the office of the Superintendency of British Trade in China, was, since May 1847 Clerk of the Councils and First Clerk in the office of the Colonial Secretary. The Council cordially records its high estimate of his public services in these important offices the duties of which he has discharged faithfully and with great ability assiduity, and discretion; and expressing its appreciation of the private worth of the deceased it offers condolence to his widow and family.
The motion was put and carried unanimously. The Colonial Secretary referred to the deceased officer as a very able dictionary of public events, transactions and correspondence received during an official career of thirty-four years. and concluded with the following motion:
"That in consideration of the fidelity, zeal and efficiency with which the late Mr. D'Almada e Castro, performed the duties of his appointments under this Government during a period of more than thirty years, a pension at the rate of $150 per month be granted to his widow and daughter during their natural lives, $100 thereof being payable to Mrs. D'Almada and $50 to her daughter."
"The motion being put was carried unanimously.