1
*
11
Readers' Letters Ask Is Colóny
THE CHINA MAIL, MONDAY, APRIL 19,-1940. ↑
لش
reams Or Cesspool Of
An Isle Of Fragrant Streams
Simple Simon Again
h bud never harboured thoughts that the wages of thousands of much too concerned about pamper ple Simon's utterances, to "Tosa "Simple Simon" to return to his
be
and words
to Mr
The pos
The vestod
Interests
1
main issue
hav.
to
numerous
Iniquity?
crimes.
"For
and/or serious, Satan still finds mischief for idle hands to do. Unlike "Skmple not advocate free Simon," I do education for all children, but only for those whose parents have been residing in the Colony for a cor- tain period, say, Ave years. That should insure the Colony against being made a dumping ground for all waifs and strays.
May I conclude by reminding Mr. Woodhead in particular, and your readers in general, that tempora mutantur, et nos muta-
AN EURASIAN.
"Most Ungentlemanly”
Sir, We observe that Mr. John T. Marsh whom it would appear chose
of his the publication "honourable" name to fit his men- tal process, not having the cour- age to face the fact and truth, Indulges in a most ungentleman- ly attack on the truth-sticking Simple Simon, who loves justice and fair play for the betterment of mankind."
ས
We are vastly amused at his own ignorance that he is exhi biting all the characteristles of human parasites.
Now for
people
with
con-
ty Invitation | V...♫ Day is a dominating factor on prestume that the Australian Counts who stuck to their posts Eurasian (and proud of it) but Co., cannot tolerate this progres-
sive
definite on The point that "sweat.ment in pre-war days to educate Surely Mr. Woodhead cannot be pubile utilities functioning but of the local working classes. That coln's dictum that all men are
If Mr.
white
You, too can
"Sleep Like a Baby"!
WITH A
Sir, in his artició "Suppressio merchants and financiers? No-soluble problem as Mr. Woodhead the main issue and deliberately lights ahine before men that they starts off by alleging that my non. thing. Mr. Woodhend. It in the would make out. If Government diverts attention to miscellaneous may glorify our literary efforts. tributions to the "China Mall" same with local labour Ordinances, would only approach the housing, quotations from what obviously is Mr. Marsh, on the other hand, is are somewhat lining 10 pro Exploitation and sweated labour problein lntelligently and reails an official year book on a country such an experienced writer, and paganda ogumling from Moscow, is a reality, but Government, ically, there would be no difficulty that never came into the picture. well-known focal cliizen, that he He also auges that I am assert: which is adopting the same att- in the way of providing better This is of course. typleal of is proud-aye, mighty proud-to ing a auber of charges wislehtude as Mr. Woodhead, is doing and more up-to-data
homes
for man I am umble lo substantiate or
and thing.
bona fide citizens of Hong Kong, who right or wrong is de- see his own name in print.
If Mr. Marsh know, a little bit termined to have the last word. assume that by constant reitera- There was never nny suggestion The present situation is due, nol One can only exclaim "Shame! more about Hong Kong, and gets tion they will gut your renders that there were 700,000 unskilled to unrestricted Immigration, but Shame!" to H.a.W. Woodhend's around as much as I do, he will He further alleges that I have put labourers in this Colony, The fact to the fact that Government is sportsmanship in likening Sim- not have the audacity to advise into his mind and
skilled labourers are as high, if ing to the whims and wishes of News Agency" propoganda. The Utopin if he is dissatisfied with I have he had never written or uttered.
not higher, than those paid in any vested interests to give any con manner in which I.G.W. Wood-conditions in this Colony,
berd An to these allegations, I would part of the Far East, doen not sideration to the position of the
Is conducting his side of spoken
Britons. with commercial mur in illin, contributions may alter the fact that lite for them underdog-the rent citizen of this the controversy by dodging the both connected deny that my
• ikened unta propaganda from Hong Kong is on "unending Colony,
Arms and the Government, who when defeated and Moscow. I am in a position to stupule Skilled and unskilled know only too well that the pre-diverting
struggle."
attention minor have expressed the same viewa as
to all charges labourers are substantiate Jully
Some of them certainly not in
in sent wave of prosperity will not points seems to be more in line "Simple Simon." made. 1 tave too much regard Hong Kong to be exploited or just forever. They are fully aware with the "Moscow technique" be gone further and called this for
Intelligence
f you wealed: they are the victims of of the fact that some day in the
Fragrant Streams the than anything I have read in Isle of readria to saute that they would reusinner The exploited not too distant future, unrestrict these columna hef
"Cesspool of Iniquity." Shall we before.
Britishers, who are allow themselves to be gulled in labourer who was born and bred ed immigration will cease of its
H.G.W. Woodhead is wrong in ask these not here by own accord. The vestei interests
trying to make this outpost of any way by any writings. If your in Hong Kong is
stating that Simple Simon is un- readers will compare the corres
able to substantiate his charges. their Empire a better place to live salence which has so far been: Hong Kong is his home are, therefore, reluctant to proceed
with any ambitious building Has not Simple Simon
Invited to leave the Colony? Is sup. exchanged and in particular tiny and he would be out of place any-
pressio verl the advocacy of Mr. where else. As to the labourer scheme, but are content, with the him to a tour of the Colony to Wood-
Mursh? pecial attention
from China, he connivance of Government, to let show him personally what local who came here under
Wake up and and to exploit hend's articlo
reference did not expect
be exploited and steeping dogs lie
live, Comrade Marshi The days of "dogs and they will readily apprrelate which swrated. He expected a fair deal the present situation to the Umit conditions are like? I extended a similar invitation, but H.G.W. of us is guilty of putting into the under the British flag, but has before the depression sela in.
Woodhead, apparently afrakt of Chinese keep out" are, like Cle- minds and tips of his opponent bren sadly disillusioned, Having I have not set out to glorify M
his illusions shattered, has mentine, "gone and lost forever,
The last War was fought to save thoughts the latter had never bar, but his bridges, so to speak, he any Dominion as alleged. In fact, do 10,
so it the world,
was claimed, buured or words he had never is left with no other alternative it were my purpose to
H.G. W. Woodbend does 10- written or uttereil.
but it innke the best of a bad would have named the particuJustice to Simple Simon by ac-
from Hitler and Mussolini, and Although Mr. Woodhead persists Job. 1 challenge Mr. Woodhead lur Dominion I wished to glority.
with its termination it was hoped
for the benefit of Marsh in his denial that this Colony is to state, unreservedly, that Euro- So far, I have only referred tords and lips of your op- finitum would be abolished once term "parasitea". A parasite is
cusing him
of putting into the that "concentration camps" ad in- & Co, permit me to explain the primarily ran for the benefit of pons and American workers would another part of the Empire. ponent thoughts he has never | 201 European and Amering business tolerate working conditions as they Woodhead claime that my ques... |
harboured and words he has and for all. Don't try to resurrect one who lives and thrives at the tions impertinent and un-
Adolf and exist in Hong Kong at this mo-
Benito, men and the upper crust of Chi-
please, Mr. expense of his host be it a hunian nese nerchants and Banglers, 1ment,
warranted. With all respect to ever uttered or written." Care-
Marsh, but rather flat justitia, body or a human society. of would state that ful study
Simon'e Simple
ruat caction.
Our local government, nay, our would reiterate my charge in this
Begarding the question of edu- Mr. Woodhead, I have alrendy ex-
esetters fails to iustify H.G.W. commertion,
Dock nway, this cation, I am afraid Mr. Woodhead he is not infallible or above ques
the colour of one's sisin human society, is yet is my Woodhead's allegation. plained how, i
is again evading the point in issue, tioning. I also deny that
Awentede Blich a terrifle difference to being perfect and far from we noed peo- Free trade, yes, plus Colony is rhmanly Min for the
still maintain that the question intention to create prejudice, Mr.
the value of one's opinion, Mr. ple like Simple
and his Simon Woodhead assumes that I am re-labour, but not honest, vern- Marsh? The British are "white" truth-seeking mind, to improve benefit of the
individuals me unrestricted Immigration has tioned, Other evidence is avall, nothing to do with iteracy onferring to New Zenland: he is ment contributed to the pheno-
and so were the descendants of His comments menat recovery of Hong Kong the Pilgrim Fathers in America. o
it for our
our welfare. This world able, but it is difficult to set forth the part of Hong Kong's bona fide free to do 10.
deportation of Had it not been for those thou and yet we had the memorable we welcomegressive one and
BERAAN of ours is a such evidence in
in print,
Assuming, for the sake about the recent
of ander-privileged civil "Boston Tea Party." liz tion is further complicated by
am anstructive criticisms. It Marsh & renson of the fact that Mr. Woul of argument, that the inflow of Malaya and Chinese from Austra sands
wares
a inillion Chinese since ta are difficult to understand,
for two and a half years
that does not make me feel inter- had has declined
problem, Crnment, like the Hong Kong Gov.{ starving-wngen how much pro- or to the "white" man except in- for them to do is to get out and world of ours, the best thing la tour the Colony,
the cal educational
made? or
sofar as my salary is concerned. There has never been any vag which is denied, might I ask Mr. crmeni, is also invested with the Kress would have been
10 find
land of primitive people And that brings talk, us far as concerned, Wandhead what action worthy of power to deport those whom it in it not been for those thou-
me to Mr. nworthy of does not want within its borders, sands of labourers who kept the Woodhead's denial of exploitation
to colonise and exploit. about "sweated Fabour" and "ex-
We believe in Abraham Lin- ploitation." I have been quite mention was taken
who had to resort to strikes to The bona Ade clitzens of Hongmorant of the fact that Chinese
highly reputed journalist must are being deported from Hong secure some improvement in their have been writing with his tongue created equal, so be you, Mr. ed labour" and "exploitation" dors Kone?
wages, could the Colony have re-
Marsh, in his check when he said that yellow, or pink, exist in this Colony.
black, brindle, The population of Hong Kong Kong almost daily: that in some Woodhead really knows Hong has not always been as large as cases, these Chinese do not even covered so fast?
the "white" men are paid a
you didn't a higher Government was of Kong, as he inserts to be the case, it is today, yet there are thousands apprur before the Courts, but are
course salary because they are more in- come out of a golden test tube, he should be well aware of the of locally burni Chinese in this sinuly bundled out of the Colony. aware of the fact that despite rent than the locals, pe they you cannot be a superman and
Woodhead claims some "desertions" from the Civil Eurasians, Chinese, Indian, fact that local kesir Ordinares
or cannot be alwaya right, Con- nie, on the whole, being touted Cokay, whose parents were also Although Mr.
Come, come, m "Two or three walking in
fucius said something like this, with impunity by the runjority born and bred here, who do not that it is the standard of living! Service, the majority would have Portuguese.
know how to read or to write which governs the policy of New to stay on. The commercial field ven
Held venerable friend, to thyself be
the industrialists who, at the same They grow up without the beffentZealand and Australia in the mat could not absorb them all besides true! Admit, Mr. Woodhead, that street, one of them can be my time as they
and "ex
were we have, in our commercial firms teacher," those are the words of of an education and, following inter of Asiatic immigration, 1 hold thousands of unemployed naively
Government ploit the less4
of their fathe,, otherwise. The matter goes much locking to Hong Kong from and the footsteps
departments, a wise man. I wonder if Mr. claim that
of the nln ob-
common labourers, } demer, stacles to industrialisation in Hongave become
raphatted and sweated at every
ernment? Most decidedly not.
some of the foreign staff and who stand it the allegation
And what has government done are yet paid, at the very most, of Mr. Woodheart There is Sambiar
these thousands and that this for businessmen and the upper crust that I have suggested
half of the standard salaries for Offences Ordinance, aland of Chinese merchants and fan Colony can undertake to provide thousands of others domiciled in whites." and Tenant Ordinance. Traciers who have, curiously enough. free education and old age pensions Hong Kong who in one form or
Mr. Woodhead is a respected Ordinance nud
still old resident of both ShanghaTM and host of other prospered and amassed farge for- and other benefits to all who come another helped Ordinances. Yet these Ordinances tunes. For nil his loyalty and here. I challenge Mr. Woodhead helping in the rehabilitation of Hong Kong (1 say this in all sin- Sir, I have just been reading are being violated almost every duvalion the poor labourer is still to mention where such suggestion the Colony?
curity as I have, for the past 17 the annual report of the Boys & minute of the day and nothing is finding it difficult to make ends to appears in my letters.
Except for providing insuffi- years, heard his work lauded by Girls Clubs Association and am done about such violations. There meet. Educating his own children
SIMPLE SIMON. cient rations and control of prices all classes of English speaking prompted to suggest that
of a few essential commodities, people). He is also an ultra-patri- Executive Committee should en- what else can H.G.W. Woodhead, jolle Briton, who would consider it
Ughten
the public, upon whose self-appointed crusader for the a matter of minor importance to good-will it relies, on one or two privileged cliquer and
the die for his country.
And that Ioints which, to a mere dilettante Colony's so-called "honest Gov-was why, methinks, he rushed to in financial matters, seem to need
the defence of ernment," boast of? ·
Britons in Hong explanation. The point at issue, H.G.W Kong when they were attacked 1. Out of the total received by Woodhead, is that the Colony is by Mr. Bristol in that "horrid grants, donations, elc. no less than being run mainly for the rich and article in the Picture Post. 00% is spent
and on salaries privileged, Chinese and Euro-- Mr. Woodhead refuses to admit wages. Surely for a charitable peans alike. Here is an example: that the Europeans, and Ameri- organisation drawing less than The Hong Kong Electric Com-cans, are having on easy, life out $58,000 from the public annually. pany made five and half million here. Why doesn't he asic some that is bit steep? The report dollars profit last year. Electric of those ex-Servicemen who are says "An audited balance sheet rates cannot be reduced until the at present holding down cosy jobs reveals little of the human side price of coal comes down and at fabulous aalarle, whether they of any institution." How true, but new equipment arrives. Govern-Įwould like to go Home and, if the public are entitled to have the ment takes no action.
why not? He would, I am vell lifted a little as to how, and Another example: Government conndent, find that the answer to where their voluntary contribu- sells land at four to five times the the last question is, "Because we
tions are spent. This point re- upset price. Purchaser builds a are having too good a time here." calves emphasis in the next para- Honest Govt. If Mr. Woodhead would only face
block of flats and rents same out Could the majority of the British-graph of the report which states fots, he would readily appreciate Sir, If I were Simple Simon at exorbitant rentals. Governers here draw the same scale of
of "sponsors bear full financial rea- how living is cheap and easy for would not have given John T.ment keeps silent.
salary at Home and be able to ponsibility for their clubs." 30 the "privileged foreigner."
Docs Marsh the dignity of a reply. The Honest Government?
afford what they get out here? why such a large alice of income Mr.
seriously menn to contents of Marsh's letter were
I more than doubt 1 Of course, spent on salaries? contend that in his home Jand, the
completely irrelevant and grossly
forces the "white"
In tho "net proceeds of ap- average European or American at Insulting. I am surprised that it
to live on a grand scale peal" is shown a net deficit of present in Hong Kong, would be
was accepted for publication. "Jingling Medley“ and that is why they find it so $224 on K.C.C. Dance. What sort enjoying the same comforts and Your readers will undoubtedly Sin-1 could think of only one hard to make ends meet.
Poor of amenities as he now.enjoys and support C. Champlein's remarsh's recent contribution to the get back to their slum quarters and up by extracting money from | fitting reply to Mr, John T. folks, how I pity them when they organisation is it that sets out
to raise money for charity As far as Hong Kong is con- Correspondence Column of your and two ounces of butter per the funds. Merely from face- cerned, H.G.W. Woodhead's views journal,
re the
exploitation or week. There, they would have pidgin one would have thought While Government may be jus can be lightly regarded for he otherwise of the coloured people "no umal, no boy, no
the organisers would have pro- tified in rehabilitating ruined re- has repeatedly demonstrated in here, and that is Land Lyttoo's no cooktail partios." Everthing ven
vented
a deficit from appearing sidences for
for as many of its ni-
his articles in the "Sunday great couplet, The jingling med- would have to be "makes do." in the accounts. cials possible, that he knows conceita, Life would
be 3. Out of ways of raising not justified in proceeding with the nothing about the Colony except ing Woodsworth and out-giltering empty dream of their good time money from the appeal, only two construction of new buildings and what he reads in newspapers, Keats," His feeble attempt to put in Hong Kong. (If Mr. Wood publish a statement of receipts skyscrapers for its servanta at officiel handouts and government make your readers believe that head wants proof of this I could and expenditure. It would be in- the cost of millions of dollars year books and what he picks up he is one of those "more intelli- show him a few letters received teresting to have one from pubile funds, while ignoring at cocktail parties.
gent" white people referred to by from friends who have returned KCC Dance. In the Bhangri-la Publication the requirements of the bona fide
of 20 or even a Mr. Woodhead would make life to England after a two years' stay Ball statement, which is very full citizens who, incidentally, contri- million Chinn Year Books ng Audrey, if sho were here, ""laugh| hero.)"
dear, $1018 was spent for buto towards the coffers of this
and means makes H.G.W. Woodhead and laugh and laugh.'
If Hong Kong Intends to live helpers refreshments etc." Whilst public fund. Could not the an authority Hong Kong. The Mr. Marah has, however, this up to her claim of being progresit would be churlish to begrudge money and materials expended in same naturally, applies to foreign to hig credit: he was at least sive, Government has to introduce he
ingrefreshments. helpers getting connection with these buildings correspondents like Horace Bris-
courageous enough to "append his compulsary education. It is much etc.", in a show for charity, was and skyscrapers be more advant-tol (who was here for less than
signature to his (Mr. Marsh's) cheaper in the long run as it would
should ageously used for the benefit of two months) whose article in the puerile, illogical
ads refresh themselves to Hong Kong's bona fide citizens? "Picture Post" started the present whereas we, in common with the and off the Juvenile CourtsJuvenile ten Does Mr. Woodhead realise for controversy..
vast majority of Letterato-the delinquency,,
Mr. Woodhead tent, at publle expense? One can cannot fail to notice that these ac- instance, how many schoolchildren Having no courage to admit Editar" writers (as well as of must admit, had always been anost counts are vouched for by high- could ba accommodated
in one that he has been worsted in the some of the greatest writers and prevalent in alums, Give the kids ranking oficials in the govern- controversy, HG.W. Woodhead in columnists of past and contempor- something to be interested in and meat. One to entitled to wonder The elimination of alum areas | a lengthy article in yealerday's ary days) have not, We are the majority (I do not say all), when it comes to public ac In Hong Kong. Is.not such an in-Sunday. Herald" again avoids cowards in-not. daring to lot our of them would not resort to petty, counts an equally lentant view is
Kong Is complaisted in hul labour turn by European and Amserlen conclusion, I would refute/na seeking jobs. Honest Gov- locals who could run rings around Marsh and his kind can under-
Ordinances,
i
*
is o law against demanding and is out of question. If Mr. Wood- accepting on money" in respect head would only read my letters Simple Simon's Whale af houses, but what is Govern. mure carefully, he would find that
Sir. In an attempt to ascer to enforce that law in my letter which appeared in ment doing against the upper crust of Chinese your paper of 14th inst, an ex- tain the historical background of planation was given by me as to "Simple Simon." I borrowed n of Nursery Rhymes. why I considered unrestricted im- collection migration did not have any bear. Here is what I found:
Simple Simon went a-fishing
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ing
on
the question of education
6
for bana de Hong Kong citizens. Notwithstanding Mr. Woodhead' denials, I still maintain that living is cheap and easy for the majority of Europeans and Americans in In making a com- ilong Kong parison between the present day cost of living with that existing In pre-war days, Mr. Woodhead considern- should also take into
tion the fact that incomes have also been increased considerably.
Fore to catch-a-whale;- All the water he had got
Was in his mother's pail. Simple Simon Vent to look
If plums grew on a thistle: He pricked his fingers very
much, Which made poor Simon
whistle.
that he would be extended the on it. some privileges as those extended him by the Asiatic?
| skyscraper?
MOTHER GOOSE.
ON THE STAIRS...
and are
1
the
H.J.Y.
Roblesse obliga
A COMMONER.
Explanation “Wanted
the
and
of the
vapourings," | take a lot of the kids off the rond/ it really necessary; 100% an ex-
BY ALEX RAYMOND
IN THE HOUSE NEXT DOOR..
taken of "expenses
above I am prompted to the queries by the fact that there seems to be growing up a fairly wide-spread opinion.
It is time charitable appeals of all sorts were brought under striat control. I do not suggest, the BGCA i * racket; I do suggest it seems to need a tighter control; and that the Committea should be answer- able to some authority
to check slackness powered control of finance and other matters. When I speak of rackets, I have ເຕ mind the spate of people who have been round offices
less recently well- takeof ing space fa' profantnatio.
etos
-obscure ·, associations, at
prices-up to $600 5 der - pago sometimes. Then, slitthère, lifest ssles. Is there any chook on the youngsters to who shake, boxes at one mil over, the town?: is there anything to prevent individuals Joining up and collecting for their
(Continued on: Page 125")
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