AYRES Dr. P. B. C.
Few Governments officials in Hongkong have enjoyed a greater measure of popularity than Dr. Phillip Burnard Chenery Ayres, C.M.G. M.R.C.S. (Eng) L.M. (Edin) who served for 23 years in the Colony's medical service.
Dr. Ayres left Hongkong on April 29, 1897 and was given an enthusiastic send-off. On his way from the Hongkong Club to the wharf he was escorted by a small company of pipers, who played appropriate music.
Among those present at the wharf to bid farewell to Dr. Ayres were the Hon. Mr. J. H. Stewart, Lockhart, Mr. C. P. Chater, the Captain Superintendent of Police Mr. May, and most of the doctors in the Colony.
The following address presented by Mr. May to Dr. Ayres on behalf of the Police Force is an eloquent tribute to the work of the retiring medico: "The members of Hongkong Police Force desire to express to you, on your retirement from the Public Service our warmest thanks for the many acts of kindness that we and our families have experienced at your hands our high sense of your professional skill, our profound appreciation of the self-sacrificing devotion you have everevinced in furthering our welfare, and our heartfelt gratitude for your never-failing aid and sympathy in the hour of sickness and sorrow.
"For over twenty-three years you have held the important post of Colonial Surgeon in this Colony. During the whole of that time you have alone had the professional care of ourselves, our wives, and children.
"You have had besides many other arduous duties to perform as head of the Medical Department of the Colony, as a member and for many years, President of the Sanitary Board, and as the adviser of the Government in matters relating to the Public Health of the community.
"But whatever the urgent and constant calls upon your time your strength and your professional resources we have ever found you ready and more than willing to assist us to guard our health to alleviate the sufferings of those who are dependent upon us, and to promote our well-being and happiness.
"In you, we have known a skilful surgeon an able and successful physician a wise counsellor, a warm and sympathetic friend. You will always be remembered in this force as a generous benefactor, whose devoted aid has never failed us, and whose kindly smile and cheering word have ever shed sunshine in our homes in this far distant country.
"With sorrowing hearts we bid you farewell. We pray for your speedy restoration to health and strength and we wish you the full enjoyment of the rest which you have so nobly earned by your unselfish labours.
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