ENGLISH COMMUNITY'S ADDRESS.
To His Excellency Sir Cecil
Clementi, Kuight: Commander | of
the
the Host Distinguished Order of Saint Michael and Saint Curge, Governor, and Commander-in-Chief of Colony of Hong Kong and its Dependentics and Vice-Admiral of the same.
YOUR EXCELLENCY,-We, being Members of the British and Foreign Communities of the Colony of Hong Kong and its Dependencies, avail ourselves of the opportunity presented by Your Excellency's approaching departure from this Colony to ex- press in this manner the senti ments of esteem and respect which we entertain for your character and administrative abilities.
Your Excellency arrived here on the 2nd November, 1993, having been appointed by His Majesty the King to assume the Governor ship of this Colony.
Your arrival was not the advent of a stranger to us, but of one who had already spent many years in the service of the Colony: your early experience of Colonin! administration having been wholly gained here. As you yourself then said: -
It is here that I was initiat. ed into the work of Colonia. Administration, and it is here that I married. Every hill and valley, steam and inlet in this beautiful Colony were wall known to me in the old days.
A Trablets Time.
On Your Excellency's return you found the Colony labouring under exceptional difficulties: its Snances were suffering from a state of depression " never before equalled in the annals of our his- tory; it appeared to be surround- ed by foes on every side, desiring hy every possible means to bring about the destruction of organised government.
Due to your untiring energy broad outlook, and diplomatic capacity in dealing with the situa tion, you slowly but surely piloted the Colony through the turbulent! waters in which you found it inte the calmer and hore satisfactory position in which you now leave it.
Your efforts in the direction of combating the enmity created by. and fostered under, external in Huences were crowned with meess when in March, 1928. friendly official visits were exchanged be tween Your Excellency and H.E. Marshal Li Tain sin, thereby restoring the friendly relations which had formerly long existed between this Colony and the neighbouring Provinces of China, From then onwards mutual con- fidence and goodwill developed, and the trade and general pros perity of the Colony have con- tinued to progress.
Synchronising with these events, Your Excelkney received a com- plimentary visit from the First Battle Squadron of His Imperial Highness the Emperor of Japan, thereby giving a practical demon stration of the amicable relations subsisting and buppily still exist ing between this Colony and the neighbouring Japanese Empire.
Progresive Measures. Owing to the depressed con- dition of the Colony's finances during the greater part of your Governorship it has been impos; sible to enter upon large and expensive themes of improve ment, Your Excellency's energies being primipally directed to wards conerving the diminished resources of the Colony and grud ually re-establishing its financial and trade prosperity, but never- theless a number of progressive measures has been identified with your regime,
You have given particular at- tention to education, and the fruits of your endeavours will long be appreciated..
The establishment of the Lan- guage School at the University of Hong Kong will be permanently associated with your name, and the general support which you have given to the University will long bo remembered. La parti cular the Colony will bave reason to be gradul for your constant and studious championing of the elaims of the University to a substantial allociation of a por tion of the Boxer Indemnity moneys.
Water Problems, Our, water problems have re caived your special attention, and after mature consideration you bave given your staunch support to the Shing Mun water project and you are largely responsible for the Aberdeen Reservoir.
Your departure will, we hope,
coincide with the completion of the pipe-line across the harbour, thereby enabling. 山 plentiful
supply of water to be brought
from the Mainland to the Island, and thus providing a substantial amelioration of the conditions of life in the Colony.
Aviation has received your strong support, and the Kai Tak Aerodrome has been completed during your administration
The Medical and Sanitary Ser- vices have been matters of great
24
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THE
concern" to you, and your un remitting efforts to improve and reorganise them on a modern basis; i meet with general approval.
During your administration you hare adopted the policy of paying for large public works by means of local loans, thus freeing current revenue for necessary im- provements of smaller magnitude.
It is a matter for the greatest regret that you should be leaving us before you have been able to bring to fruition the many schemes you have either com- menced or have in contemplation.
In connection with the Constitu- tion of this Colony, Your Excel- lency's name will be nasceinted- with the appointment of two ad- ditional 'unofficial members to the Legislative Council; which met with general approval.
Friendly Relations in the Community.
During your administration you have exerted your personal in Auence towards fostering amicable relations between all sections "of the community, and in this ris pect also you have been sigually successful,
You are now about to leave us to assume, at the command of His Majesty the King, the Governor- ship of the Straits Settlementa and the ligh Commissionership of the Federated Malaj States, in which respect you are follow ing in the footsteps of your esteemed uncle, Sir Cecil Clementi Smith, who also rendered signal services in Colonial administra. tion and spent many years of his oficial life in this Colony..
It may not be out of place here to record that, prior to the news of Your Excellency's new ap pointment being received in this Colony, it had been decided to ask His Majesty the King to be so gracious as to reappoint you for a further period as Governor of this Colony.
In conclusion, we desire to express our heartfelt regret at your departure, and we look for- ward to your continuing and com- pleting a long a career of public usefulness and greater distinction in the service of His Majesty, which will always be followed by us with the keenust interest. In expressing our good wishes we desire to include aleo Lady Clementi, who has interested her- self in the Girl Guides and many other matters of public interest.
$1
The address to His Excellency was enclosed in a blackwood port- folio with silver hinges of Chinese design, and the Colony's crest also in silver. The very fine execution of the design of the crest in raised répoussé work is most interesting, and the design of the whole port folio. is in accordance with the best traditions of Chinese art, or indeed of the art of any nation, in the fitness and amount of the de- coration. The case is lined and pudded with white satin. The ad dress, which was engrossed by hand on vellum by Mesars. Kelly and Walsh, is in itself a work of art. The writing is ornamental with no sacrifice of cleanness.
The official signatures are on a page to themselves. At the head is that of the Chief Justice, Sir Henry Gollan, K. C.; uext-in two groups-the names of the official and, unucia) members of the Executive and Legislative Councils, and, at the foot, that of the Fuisne Judge, Mr. Justien Wood. The pages of the address are bound in Chinese fashion with black silk.
ADDRESS FROM CHINESE
COMMUNITY.
The address presented to Sir Cecil Clementi Irom the Chinese Community of Hong Kong reads (as translated by the Hon. Dr. R. H. Kotewall) as follows:-
"He who is eminent in learn- ing should apply hiraself to the service of the State." Thus has said a sage of old. Another has declared: It is only from a ruler who cannot bear the suffer- inga of the people that benevolent government can flow."
For by the learned along can the people be instructed; and only by the ruler who cantiot bear to sce sufferings,
can
the people be cared for. There are the qualities which go to make a virtuous official, 'and con- stitute the foundation of ordered But recent history government. records few men with such attri- butes-attributes with which Your Excellency is richly endowed,
In your youth, Sir, you were already renowned for your crudi" tion. Steeped in Chinese litera- ture, you published the result of your studies to the world.
Sympathy with China.
..
You began your official carcer in this Colony as a Cadet Officer.. Sympathetic and friendly, sincere. and open, you have always found pleasure in association with the Chinese. During the stirring days
HONG KONG DAILY PRESS, THURSDAY, JANUARY 23, 1930.
PRESENTATIONS TO THE GOVERNOR
BRITISH AND CHINESE ADDRESSES:
TRIBUTES TO SIR CECIL CLEMENTI'S ADMINISTRATION.
The farewell reception, given by the European and Chinese Communities to His Excellency, Sir Cecil Clementi, K.C.M.G., Governor of Hong Kong, and Lady Clementi, on the Hong Kong Cricket Club ground yesterday was. dispite the chill in the air, a brilliant and fitting ceremony. The sun shone brightly until about 5 p.m. glittering in the polished, instruments of the K.O.S.B. band and on the silver fittings of the pipes. About 800 people were there, repre- senting all the various communities of the Colony. At a table set under the pavilion were seated His Excellency and Lady Clementi. Sir Henry and Pollock, Sir Shou-son and Lady Chow, and Mr. T. N. Chau, while in the grounds-which were laid out with small, tastefully "decorsted, tables-were representatives of the Government, of the Services, the Consular Body, the Mer- chants and Commercial bodies.
The addresses and His Excellency's reply were broadcast by means of an amplifier, and three loud-speakers which were fitted to the roof of the pavilion enabled every members of the large gathering to hear clearly and comfortably.
The beautiful blackwood screen, on which was empanelled the address of the Chinese com- munity, and the red silk ceremonial umbrella, with the names in gold of those who had signed the address, made a fitting and interesting decoration on either side of the table, at which Sir Cecil, the Governor, who has done so much to bring Chinese and English together, was seated.
The address of the European community was, read by Sir Henry Pollock. "who afterwards handed His Excellency the blackwood portfolio in which the original was bound.
Sir Shou-son Chow read the address of the Chinese community, and handed His Excellency a copy of the same bound in Chinese satin, Lady Chow presenting Lady Clementi with a gift from the Chinese ladies of Hong Kong.
Lady Pollock road the address to Lady Clementi afterwards hanuing her a copy bound in white and gold brocade. She also handed Lady Cleracnti the souvenir book presented by the
Girl Guiles.
The catering was in the hands of Lane, Crawford's, Ltd.
GAY SCENE ON CLUB GROUND.
Your Exsellency was heard to say that the Chinese people, being of a race rich in a culture and civilisation no whit inferior to those of the West, could become a strong nation, with the ease of a turn of the palm, if they would but set their heart to the task. It was prophesied by those who heard these sympathetic words: "Given the opportunity, this man will easily bring about cordial relationship with China."
You, Sir, were in office in Hong Kong for fourteen years. Becori- ing successively Assistant Secre tary for Chinese Affairs, Land Officer in the New Territories, and Assistant Colonial Secretary, you filled each post with rare adminis- trative ability and distinction.
You were subsequently promot ed to be Colonial Secretary of British Guiana, and thence you wore transferred to Ceylon in the same capacity.
Twelve years thus elapsed. Just as, in the days of old, it was not possible to forgo the "red- and-horned calf" in sacrificial offerings to the hills and the streams, so it was not possible for Hong Kong to be without your guiding hand. In the summer of 1925 labour trouble broke out? with the fierceness of a tempestu- GUS SCIL The Communists took advantage of the situation to create disturbance, as a raging fire ia fanned, or an agitated sea is lashed by the wind. The markets and marts were in a state of panic. Many forsook their oc- cupations and migrated elsewhere. In these critical days the bond between Hong Kong and Canton, which are to each other as the lips are to the teeth, wás sus- tained as by a fraying thread. The Government of Great Britain, realising that our neighbour must not be allowed to drift yet farther away from us, that Communism must not be suffered to extend ite pernicious influence, and that the livelihood of the people must not be jeopardised, turned to. Your Excellency as the one man capable of restoring sound conditions. You were accordingly appointed to be Governor of Hong Kong.
The Communist Crisis. Immediately upon your arrival in the Colony you made it your first aim and your paramount Cuty to promote amity with Can- ton; and you particularly bent your efforts to removing racial distinction. All sections of the community emulated this high example, with the result that their relationship with each other im- proved as the days went by. You were liberal in your policy, and yet treachery and villainy bave found in the Colony no fertile soil wherein to germinate.
When Canton made an effort to rid itself of Communism, Your Excellency strove hard for better relations between the two places. With a frank and open heart the two Governments sent messengers to cach other, and this resulted in a complete mutual understand- ing by the winter of 1927. It was anid of old:-" Solemn in his robe of offices, without exhibiting the slightest sign of emotion, he can bring to the people a peace ne Insting as Mount Tai." May not these words be aptly applied to Your Excellency 1
With the restoration of com- munications peace once more reigned. But the promotion of Chinese studies in the Colony was Innguishing, and it was felt that this defect was not conducive to the people's enlightment. There- fore Your Excellency called to-
at the Boxer, traukis the further the people to discuss with
of accusation was pointed_at
China by many foreigners. But
them the problem; and, as the result, you found a Chinese school
in the University of Hong Kong for promoting the higher stady of Chinese literature. You also es tablished a class for teaching Cadets Chinese to enable them to acquire a substantial knowledge of the language. In this way, the spirit of the students of Chinese has undergone a profound change: they now scorn the superficial and the casual.
Four Years of Progress,
No service to the State, can be greater than the service of settling disorder; no virtue can 'Be greater than the virtue of making men good citizens. Dur- ing the four years of your "ad- ministration Your Excellency has, by an undeviating policy, led the people along the path of righte- cusness and culture. To compare Your Excellency's work with the work of over-zealous officials who harass the people to no purpose, is to bring to light the vast differ- ence between good and inefficient government. The laws of Heaven towards man are immutable; those who can gain the heart of the people can gain the favours of Heaven.
In the spring of the year 1920 a severe drought afflicted the Colony, nearly drying up the re servoirs. The people obtained their water in the streets, and in the streets they sat in wait for the precious fluid till dawn. Your Excellency lost no time in appro- priating public funds for relief: work. You caused water-tanks to be built in various places, and water to be brought from Chinese territory to Hong Kong to supply- the needs of the residents; you also obtained from His Majesty's Government authority to expend a large sum of money on the Shing Mun scheme, so that the people would be ensured a permanent supply of water. In the critical days of the drought your anxiety was grievous, and your sorrow deep. Repose was not yours even in the moments of rest and sleep. Standing one day beside the Tytam Reservoir you were heard to remark: The people cannot subsist without water or fire; but, alna, the danger is upon them now! How can this be endur- ed" But the intensest feeling
of sincerity can reach Heaven. Thus it was that the great scholar- statesman Han, Chang Lei was able to scatter the clouds - at Mount Hêng; thus it was, also, that Prince Tan of Yen wrought the miracle of turning back the 'mid-day sun. In autumn, in the seventh moon of the year, torren- tial rains foll in the Colony; and the sufferings of the people came to an end. It was only then that happiness was again seen on Your Excellency's countenance. You must have felt as if you had literally laid down an ungrateful burden. Of a verity, "the beno- volent ruler is ahead of the world io its sorrows, and behind it in its joys."
A Sad Parting.
In the winter of the same year His Majesty's Government decreed your promotion to the 'Governorship of Malaya. When your friends and colleagues prof- fered Your Excellency their con- gratulations, you sorrowfully said that higher preferment and larger stipent would not compen- sate for the parting from your friends here..
ADDRESS TO LADY CLEMENTI, M.B.E.
On the occasion of your depur turo.. we, your co-workers on various organisations in Hong Kong, tender our most sincere
and cordial wishes for your happi- ness in the Colony to which you are proceeding, .". "
We can well imagine that new interests will arise in Malaya, but we are confident that Hong Kong must always hold a high place in your affection.
GOVERNOR'S REPLY.
REMINISCENCES OF EARLY DAYS.
|
His Excellency said:-I valuo very of the University in 1999, and re- highly the beautiful addresses, which|sidential accommodation could only you have presented to me. I shall be arranged for 14. We trust that always treasure them; but I am the Committee, formed under Col. even more deeply affected by the Skinner's chairmanship to raiia knowledge that you wished to retain | funds for building this hostel, may me among you for a longer period, be successful; and we note with and that you share the sorrow which pleasure that two lady under I feel at leaving you. On the day | graduates of the University, while when I landed here as Governor in the Straits Settlements during asked that the kindness, which was
last long vacation, collected over given me so generously during my $3,000 in Malaya for this fund. carlier service in Hong Kong, might When we reach Singapore we will be accorded to me in even fuller gladly do what we can to assist in measure, sccing that my respon the collection of further subscrip sibilities had so greatly increased, tions for so excellent a purpose. Tour welcome at that time was an The fact that Singapore is not for immense encouragement to me; and from Hong Kong, and lins on the to-day, on the eve of bidding fare way from this Colony to England, well-as I fear forever to this encourages us to hope that we may Colony, which I love, I cannot find not entirely lose touch with the words to express adequately my schemes that have most interested gratitude for the unfailing help and as in. Hong Kong, our work for sympathy, and indeed the friend which, in many cases, we must very ship and affection, which has epcom- regretfully leave unfinished. passed and sustained me throughout my life among you. «
A Sorrowful Farewell.
It is not only my brother cadets, my cullenges, official and unofficial, in the Executive and Legislative Councils, the Heads of Depart ments, and all ranks in the Service of the Hong Kong Government, to whom my sincerest thanks are due; my heartfelt gratitude embraces the whole community, high and low, Chinese had non-Chinese, in Hong Kong and Kowloon, as well as the elders and villagers of the New Territory. Since first I set foot in this Colony, thirty years ago, I have met with nothing but kindness from all of you. The Best years of my life have been lived here. Hong Kong has been my home, and I know that I can never again be as happy as I have been in Hong Kong. It is with a full heart that I thank you nad with deep sorrow that I say goodbye.
17
Lady Olement's Thanks. My wife asks me to reply to the ladies of Hong Kong on her bobalt, and to thank them for their address to her. "This Colony has been her home, as it has been mine; and the health and happiness of our child ren here has convinced us that, given regalarly occupied lives, Euro- pean girls and boys need not be On your arrival, in 1025 it was separated from their parents at na not as a stranger that you were curly age, but can thrive in Hong welcomed by this community, for Kong with all the advantages of you had been & reember of it both family life, until it is time for them before and after your marriage.to go to England for reasons of You were returning to the scenes education and of association with of your early married life. We their kith and kin. remember the pleasure you ex- pressed at renewing acquaintance with this beautiful island, of which you had preserved so vivid and happy a recollection.
Since your return here your in-
terests have extended to every
form of social activity. Nothing has been unimportant to arouse your ready sympathy and secure your untiring support.
The Naval and Military Canteen formed on the arrival of the Shanghai Defence Force in 1927, and the arrangements made for the comfort and entertainment of the Services, furnish only one example of your sympathetic co- operation in all good causes.
The Helena May Institute has been the subject of your special care and interest, and its ac tivities have been extended under your guidance.
The Girl Guides of Hong Kong have received the full measure of your support, and were glad to welcome two of your daughters to their ranks.
In wishing you good-bye we assure you that in the respon. sibilities of your new sphere you will carry with you our heartiest good wishes.
We desire for you. His Excel lency, and your children many years of united happiness and prosperity,
(Continued at foot of next coltima).
But your going could not be stay
ed. Even so Shia Lu Chi was transferred to the governance of Hsuchow, and Li Cheng Yeh eventually left the south of Kwei- chow. From the days of old virtuous officials have had to go from place to place to give the people the boon of their beneficent administration.
+
For eighteen years Your Excel- lency has conferred benefits on us, the people; and completed many constructive schemes. The Sun and the Moon shed their light on the remotest place; nevertheless, being nearer to them, the inhabit ants of Fu Sang and the Kun Lua Mountain receive from them a
.
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The Service Men.
No occupation in Hong Kong has given ray wife more pleasure and interest than the work she has been able to do in promoting hospitality to the men of the fighting services, who have left their own homes for our protection. She earnestly hopes that the Hong Kong ladies will con tinue and expand this work, and that before long a permanent and aditable setting for such hospitality. may be found.
It
Thirty Years of Progreza. Ladies and Gentlemen, in thirty years I have seen much to marvel at in this Colony, The population was estimated at 252,403 souls in Now it 1899, when I arrived here. must be more than a million. has, therefore been quadrupled. The revenue in 1890 was 83,610,143; last year it was, according to our most recent estimates, 823,218,960, The total shipping of the port in 1990 was 13,437,147 tons; last year it was 36,636,678 tons. There was no railway when I first came bore: now we have the Kowloon-Canton Railway, which we hope will one day be the Kowloon-Calais Railway- There were na motor-cars or motor: roads in the Colony in 1899; now we have more than a hundred miles of motor-roads and several thou sand motor-cars. No aeroplane had ever been seen in Hong Kong in 1808; now we have the Kai Tak Aerodrome, à detachment of the Royal Air Force is stationed here; we have just constituted a Hong Kong Flying Club; and commercial aviation is abdut to begin. Kow loon was in 1890 a rural district; now it in a large and prosperous. city.
די
The Girl Guides. My wife wishes me to tell you what pleasure it has given her to
No Fear for the Future. see the great progress made here in organizing Girl Guides, one of These things are striking evidence the best movements of modern of what can be done in this Colony, times. "The number of Girl Guides where a thrifty, industrious and
Chinese has increased recently from two to enterprising
community eight companies, including two com. enjoys law and order under British panies of Rangers; and my wife Government, Nor have I any fear for feels that the future of Guiding in the future so long as there is true this, Colony is now secure because concord between the British and niany Chinese and Portuguese girls, Chinese elements in the population whose homes are in Hong Kong, of tho Colony, and nothing has given me greater pleasure during my term are enthusiastic Girl Guides, and will undoubtedly carry on the work of Government than to observe the as rangers and officers in their turn, increasing co-operation between the It has, moreover, been a great de-many racial elements of the Colony's light to see the Brownies develop inhabitants and the spirit of good. into nine cheerful packs, which we will in which the leaders of the enjoyed entertaining at Government different communities loster senti- House last month, together with menta of mutual friendship and their brother Wolf Cubs. The fraternity. Scout movement also expands and The British flag was first hoisted serves to do. prospers in this Colony, as it dein Hong Kong on January 26, 1841. Therefore the Colony's centenary is - Women's Interestà,
fast approaching, and if the second. The Kowloon Branch of the century of the Colony's existence re- Helena May Institute is due to bo cords progress as wonderful as that achieved during its first contury, opened the day after to-morrow, and
what marvels may we not expect? we hope that each year will see that Would Captain Charles Elliot or Sir Institute represent more fally the Henry Pottinger, in their most various communities and races of hopeful day-dreams, have imagined the women and girls of Hong Kong that Hong Kong, the barren island for whom it was founded. We also of their time, would in less than a hope before long to hear that suit hundred years become the foremost able housing has been secured for shipping port in the Far East The the Chinese Young Women's Chris- tian Association, whose excellent beginnings laid well and truly the pioneers of the Colony's earliest work we have watched with sym foundations of her future greatness, pathy and admiration.
and each succeeding generation of colonists must see to it that their splendid heritage is passed on to posterity, not only unimpaired, but further developed, improved, and adorned. (Applause.).
Both my wife and I are deeply interested in "the project for estab- lishing a women's hostel at the University of Hong Kong. There were 38 worden students on the roll
Address to Lady Clementi.
A Gift From the Guides, The address which was presented. The Girl Guides made a special to Lady Clementi is contained in presentation to Lady Clementi, whose honorary title of Chief Guide a portfolio of white and gold in the Colony has not been by any Her Lady- brocade in a design of fleur de lis, means an empty one. lined, with maize-coloured satin. ship has always taken the deepest The front page is illuminated in interest in "Guiding" in Hong Kong, and this interest and constant colours with a decorative border, sur-activity in its cause has had a very rounding Lady Clementi's initials marked effect. The Guides look on "P.C." in plain Roman script with the best sense of the word, and as Lady Clementi as a patroness in decorative frames. Similar colour- a leader, and their gift to her on
greater radiance. In this wise we have been fortunate in having ed decorative borders frame each of this occasion has been well chosen. Your Excellency actually with us..
A series of photographs of Hong the vellum pages. The two central Kong, together with a short history And now Your Excellency is pages bear the addreas, engrossed of the Colony, has been bound up leaving us. We, the Chinese 1
Community of Hong Kong, with in the same manner as that to His together in a Chinese portfolio of black brocade, half bound in gold all earnestness, offer you, in Excellency, and other sheets contain leather. Chinese ideographs of good token of our respect, an Ode of signatures of the committee mem wishes, and a pair of scarlet silk Preise
bers of various bodies in which tasgola, give the book a charac
The front Lady Clementi has taken a parti- teristictie appearance. eular interest, the Helena May pages have the names of Guides Institute, the Girl Guides, and the printed and a few words of pre-
Cheer O Canteon Y.M.0.A. This address and the portfolio
We, the Chinese residents of the Colony, feel as if we are {The text of the Ode will be found about to lose our mainstay. We, on Page 8.] one and all, supporting the old
and lending the young, have clung From the CHINESE COMMUNITY OF to the shafts of your carringe,
piler
(Vontinued on next Column.):
Hong Kong,
-JANUARY, 1930.
Kelly and Wälsh. ·
sentation.
The work of printing and bin has been carried out by Messrs. Kelly and Walsh.