CANTON AND HONGKONG.
LOCAL MERCHANTS. TO . VISIT CITY OF RAMS,
THE HAND OF FRIENDSHIP.
(FROM A CHINESE CORRESPONDENT.)
"THE HONGKONG DAILY PRESS, THURSDAY, DECEMBER 3ED,
“A · LITTLE BIT OF FLUFF.
A.D.C'S HIGHLY SUCCESSFUL PRODUCTION.
A FULL HOUSE AND HEAVY FORWARD BOOKINGS.
Tully was the buffod and the butt. John · GOODBYE - TO - HONGKONG. dyres, was the wide-awake husband, who
MR. J. KERR'S DEPARTURE. had to take charge of the impossible situations as they arces and devise meads On the completion of over 35 years" of extricating himself from them. Capt. service in the Hongkong Police Force, Macreally was perfectly at home in the in which he rose from constable, to the part; always self-possessed. He kept commissioned rank of Amistant-Superin- things going fast and furiously when on tendent of Paleo, Mr. James Kerr, with Our one overmastering desire, after the stage and has certainly none of the Mrs. Ker, left on the s.o. Panda yester Since the Hongkong Merchants' Delega- witnessing the production of "A Little gavky mannerisms of the tyro. Unday for Australia on retirement tion went to Cantor and the Cantonese Bit of Fluft by the Amateur Dramatic doubtedly an accomplished, actor, Capt. Delegates visited this Colony. both Society at the Theatre Royal last even- Macready must be a great source of parties found that, owing to communicains, was that the junk mistresses, who strength to the A.D.C. It may be a case doubtless regard our wartby Harbour of inherited ability although we could tion having been interrupted for some
Master with awe and reverence, and, per-scarcely imagine his grandsire taking months, there were many misunderstand-
haps, some weasure of alarm, might have part in a “Little Bir of Fluff.” ings between the two ports. Conditions the opportunity of seeing him in the rôle Mias E. Birkett appeared as Mamie in both places were absolutely different of the atout, lady who had been, unfortuScoti in the title role and we will leave from what was claimed by most news.
-papers....
But the sole aim and object of the play, which ran for over two years in London, is to make us laugh. It is sketchy in its what does that matter? There is nothlag plot and hopelessly absurd its details.
high-brow or elevating associated with
Mr. and Mrs. Kerr left Blake Pier
yesterday afternoon at four o'clock by a launch for the Tandu, which was lying in mid-stream, and they were bidden good-bye" and "good-luck! by many police officials and a large number of personal friends,
the
Chief Detective-Laspector J. Grant, Chief Inspector W. Kent and Inspectors T Cashman, J. Ogy and R. Lanigan.
Jast before the launch left the Pier Mr. and Mrs. Kerr shook hands with all their friends and as the craft moved away towards the Tandu, larewells were waved until Mr. and Mrs. Kerr could no longer be distinguished.
Among these who assembled on nate enough to have three cibis broken to the lads of the village to express pier to bid bon vayaje were: Hon. Mr. in a bus accident. Their sense of humour an opinion upon her representation, WA. G. M. Fletcher (Acting - Colonial There were many wild rumours about may be different from our's, but, even do not think, however, that there can be Secretary), Hon. Mr. J. R. Wood (Fuisce Carton such as the introduction of "Como, we are convinced they would have nuy question as to what that opinion will Judge), Hon Mr. J. H. Kemp, 5.C.. munism and the untold hardships suffered been compelled to unrestrained laughter, be. If this is Miss Birkett's first ex-C.B.E. (Attorney-General), Mr. P. P. J. and laughter is a tonic of which we all pericace of the stage her acting was Wodehouse, CLE. (Captain Superinten by people in all walks of life at the hands stand in need. Certainly nothing funnier marvellously good. It would have done dent of Police), Mr. H. King (Director of the "Reds". The employment of
or more ludicrous could be imagined than credit to one with years of training. The of Criminal Intelligence), Mr. D. Burling. Russian Officers in the Government Sers the spectacle which Diept.-Comdr. Hole part is not a heavy one compared with ham (D.S.P.), Mr. W. B. Scott (A,S.P.),' vice was alleged as conclusive evidence presented.
that of John dyner or Bertram Tully that Communism had actually been
but is is one upon which a great deal adopted there. These and other reports,
depends and Miss Birkett made, in every According to a Canton Delegate, were
way, the best possible use of her opportu- rumoura fabricated by Cantor's military
piece of work. nities. It was a clever and accomplished rivals for the creation of bad feeling between Canton and Hongkong.
In order to remove all misunderstand ings the Canton Authorities have sug ested that the Hongkong merchants should go to Canton and investigate the present political, military and financial conditions as well as the organisation of the Constitutionalist Government.
At the instigation of Mr. Yeung Sai Ngam, who arrived from Canton the other day, a commission of about 100 prominent Chinese merchants has been formed to visit Canton, not merely to make investigations but also with, the chject of cultivating friendships. The date of departure has not been sa nounced.
The Kwongtung Steamship Navigation Company has offered to put the 8.s. Paul Bean and Charles Hardorin at the Commission's disposal for the round trip.
Ura Logan was first given the part of it, but no one could reasonably expect Mrs. dyres but owing to illness she had anything of that sort from the title. It to resign and her place, wis taken by does not sail ander false colours. Tts Mr. Bloxham, the wife of Captain Mr. Kerr's departure will be deeply atmosphere might be regarded by the Bloxham, Superintendent of Victoria regretted both by police officers and Rev. T. B. Powell, as, in same respects, GaoL" As has already been suggested officials and also by those with whom he almost reprehensible, and we should not John Ayres was a man of exceedingly came into contact. Whoever, approached regard the serious study of the Cathral poor judgment to forsake a home, over him was always, met with unfailing Chaplain's sermon on Sunday morning which ra, dyres presided. Mrs. Blox-courtesy and pone appreciated. his genial as a very suitable proliminary to a visit ham took the part easily and naturally disposition and the help given them to the theatre during the next few even- and if it is any consolation to her it may by Mr. Kerr more than members of the ings. But for those who can appreciate be put on record that she quickly won Press in Hongkong to whom he had and enjoy unrelieved farce, well acted and the sympathies of the maculine portion always been a good friend. well produced, such ↓ thoroughly recommended.
visit can be of the audience over the abominable way All, who have been at any time asso-
:
in which, as Mrs, dyrer, she was treated | ciated with him will join in wishing hin.
around which the play revolves. It is
There is little need to discuss the story by the ineffable John,
long life, good health and many years of These four characters made the play happiness in his retirement. He had probably very well known and, in any but the minor parta were all admirably earned the admiration and goodwill of case, the story is simply introduced to sustained. There was not a really weak all. provide an excuse for a series of comic link in the chain. Mrs. Eall was a per- He had been connected with the Far situations. While the wife is away visit fectly good modern housemaid as Chal East for about 40 years. Born in Liver- ing her mamma, the husband takes "Amer. Miss V. Thwaites as Ursula was pool, he went with his parents to Aus Little Bit of Fluff out to supper. The domestic of the late Victorian era. We tralia on leaving school. He went to sen wife comes back unexpectedly, of course; scarcely think domestics of her type are and became acquainted with the China and complications follow in which an in existence/now-a cockney accent, long and Japan ports. A ship, on which he 'Indian Rajah's pearl necklace and a 'bus skirts and hair screwed up into what we was, put into Hongkong badly damaged accident (off stage) play a prominent believe was known as "a ban." She was from a severe typhoon in 1890 and while part. The moral of the whole business, a comic figure that made occasional it was in dock for repairs, Mr. Kerr join- it seems to us, is that wives should not instrasions into the third act and always ed the Water Police. He served with the leave their husbands in order to visit raised a laugh. Mrs. Hegarty had the Water Police until he went on leave in their mammas. Even such an egregious short hat trying part of Aunt Hannah 1805 and on his return in 1887 he was ass as John Ayres, we feel certain, could she very successfully maintained as made Acting Sergeant and became a full never have been tempted to wander bad attitude of calm dignit until chased by Sergeant in 1899. From that rank he without meeting any terrorist with such a delightful character us re: Ayris John and then she gave us & most rose to Third Class Inspector in 1902. bom in one band and a dagger in retained, as she should have done, at realistic idea of a stout lady on the verge Second Class Inspector in 1906 and Act another, as some Chinese cartoonists have home. At any rate if he did stray in of hysteria. Mr. W. K. Reynolds as Vizoning First Class Inspector in 1909. This pictured the members of the Kuomintang, such circumstances there is no sensible Trippett was all that a stage Insurank was confirmed in 1910. In 1915 he the Canton authorities have intimated to nan who would not whole-heartedly con-
ance Inspector might be supposed to be was promoted to Chief Inspector," suc the Chinese in Hongkong and Macao, demn his want of judgment. However, and Mr, Oscar Eager gave a good receeding Chief Inspecter Gourlay. He through their unofficial agents, that like the flowers that bloom in the Spring, presentation of a stage doctor. Mr. held this rank until 1999 when he was Chinese of these two cities will be wel that has nothing to do with the case. E. Mimmack was to have played the permanently promoted to the rank of come there as guests of the Kuomintang, John Aures returned to and his wife in part of Dr. Bigland, but unfortunately Assistant Superintendent of Police. and they are assured that they will find possession of the flat, and these two fever intervened and Mr. Eager took up During his 25 years' service, Mr. Kerr the Russians are, like other foreigners in together with the "Little Bit of Fluff" the part at very short notice.
served under the following C.S.P..:- Clovernment service at Peking and else.and the idiotic tenant of the next flat,
Capt. W. M. Deane, Major-General A.
CONDITIONS IN CANTON,
INVITATION TO HONGKONG AND MACAO CHINESE.
[FROM OUR CHINBEE'COREBSPONDENT.]
In order to prove to them that one may walk through the city of Canton
There was a large audience last even-
where, merely as servants and employees who are introduced later, are the fouring and everyone was delighted with the H. A.. Gordon, Mr. F. H, May (later Sir
of the Government, and not as lords of principal characters apon whose ability. the Chinese people.
the fun of the play chiefly depends.
PROTEST FROM WUCHOW.
entertainment. The bookings are also Henry May), Mr. F. M. Baddeley, Mr. C. heavy for the next three evenings so that McL Messer (Colonial Treasurer at pre- Of the four, the palm, or in classicA Little Bit of Fluff" may be regarded sent) and Mr. E. D. C. Wolle.
as another success in the Amateur Drama-
one
VERNACULAR EDUCATION. QUESTION: DISCUSSED BY
EDUCATION BOARD.
The merchants of Wachow are strongly phrase "the biscuit must unquestion opposed to the Kuomintang monopoly of ably be handed to Lt. Comdr. Hole R8
tic Society's records. The residents of the salt and oil trades. The wholesale Bertram Tully. His task was simply to concerns contend that since they have to play the fool, and he did it from begin the Colony owe the Society a debt of pay all the Customs duties, taxes, and ning to end so whole-heartedly, so extra. gratitude for a great deal of amusement, provided possible only at the cost of a likin charges, they should not be required vagantly and realistically that no "to ay another fee as a license from the could possibly avoid laughing at him, large expenditure of time and labour. Government monopolists to handle the and he kept the audience in a state of That debt should be acknowledged. Mr. W. A. Hannibal is the Hon. Secretary and articles. The Loreign importers of oil merriment the whole time., maintain that they would rather stop the absurd," declared a matron of very digni- Treasurer of the Society, and the mem- delivery of oil than submit to the pay fed mien eisting near to us, as she wiped hers of the Committee now in the Colony
was private, the tears of laughter from her eyes. And include Mr. J. A. E. Bullock, Mr. A. N iment of likin contrary to treaty pro that we think was the general verdict Encry, Mr. W. A. Corneil and MG) was present at the meeting, and
visions.
-- 41 He is 10
Macready.
It was the one for which Mr. Hole had
As stated "'A' Little Bit of Fluff" was STRIKE COMMITTEE AND THE to strive and be succeeded all along the
produced by Capt. Macready. The stage line. His sentimental re-action when. HONGKONG DELEGATES.
anyone addressed him as Bertram was acessories were provided by Messrs. Lane, Crawford. Mr. W. A. Cornell, bad indescribably comic but possibly he reach- STEAMER NOT TO BERTH "AT
ed his greatest height of absurdity when charge of the scenery, and Mr. A. T. H. WHARF.
dressed in woman's clothes and when Whyte of other Eccts Mr. H. W. Mar
that the Strike Committee at Canton have to calm the wife's jealous fears that the Publicity, were under the direction of Mr. It is stated in a Canton contemporary singing at the dining room door in order shall was Property Master and Mr. H. T Buxton, the Prompter Advertising and politely refused a request that, is husband might be left alone with the stated to have been made to them to allow Little Bit of Fluff. It was a perform- the steamer on which the Hongkong anes upon which he is to be heartily Belegation propose to travel to tie up at congratulated,
B. Thompson
The question of higher vernacular whools was discussed at a meeting of the Board of Education, which was helil yesterday afternoon under the chairman- ship of Mr. G. N. Orme. Thus mecting
T
E the Governor (Mr. Cecil Clémenti, a programme of higher vernacular educa tion was submitted. We understand that thembject was discussed for about two bours, and it was decided that the subject required further consultation with the Chinese community before anything could be done.
A DISAPPOINTING CARRIER. PATIENT FORSAKEN ON WAY TO HOSPITAL.
The story of how a ricksha coolic be Mrs. Bloxham came so frightened and fled at the sound Miss. E. Birkott of rifle fire, was contained it a report Mra. Hegarty received by the police from the New Miss V. Thwaites. Territories on Tuesday night
The coolis went to Takaling to take
The full cast of the play was: Mrs. Apres Mamie Scott the wharf. This, they say, would be an Capt. J. Macready, under whose dunt, Hannah infringement of their rules and likely direction the play was produced, took Uranla
Chalmers
----- Mr. Hall, to obstruct the process of the strike," the part of John. Ayres. It is a big Nicon Trippett W. K. Reynolds to hospital an Indian constable who was but they are prepared when the ship part and s difficult one which, in le Dr. Biglaus
Cacar Eager. down with fever. Arriving at Lo Fung, arrives in the river to send out a steam capable hands, might easily appear Bertram Tully. Hole the pearest point on the road to the launch to bring the delegates ashore. strained, or, on the other hand, made John Ayres J. Macready. Chinese border, he and his charge were An orchestra under Professor Gonzales fired on by a party of strike pickets. The It appears the delegates were expected altogether too farcical. Capt. Macready
rendered favourite selections before the rickals cochie inmediately bolted, and to come up to Cantos en November 20th who we believe is a grandson of William play and during the intervals. The left his vehicle in the roadway. The or December 1st and we read that many Charles Macready, probably one of the dresses were supplied by At the Bign stable eventually arrived back at Taku- of the Lantern and - Maida." The ling, having walked all the way from Lo organisations in Canton have made ar greatest actors of the past century, photographs on the programme were taken Fung it is not known what became of rangemente to welcome them.
cleverly steers a middle course, Bertram by the Meng Ynen Studio.
the rickshs coolie..
1925
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