CO129-335 - Governor Nathan - 1906 [8-10] — Page 417

Extract from the "Hongkong Daily Press" of 3rd October, 1906.

DEATH OF CAPTAIN BARNES LAWRENCE.

The Hon. Captain Barnes Lawrence, Harbour Master, died yesterday afternoon at 1-50. The news, altogether unexpected so far as the community was concerned, came as a shock to all who heard it and the most profound regret and deepest sympathy were expressed on all hands. Everyone was sensible of the loss which the Colony had sustained, for in addition to being a most capable and courteous officer who discharged his duties in a manner that showed he had the best interests of the port at heart, he was a man beloved by all who knew him. In short, he was an excellent type of an English gentleman.

Since the disastrous typhoon of 18th September, he was unusually depressed. The death of Bishop Hoare was a great blow to him and the sense of keen personal loss which he experienced affected his spirits. Then he contracted a chill in the course of his duties during the few days following the typhoon, and on Monday week, he was at duty as usual but was persuaded to go home, as it was apparent to those around him that he was anything but well. Still, nothing serious was anticipated. But complications ensued. His condition became more critical and his adviser, Dr. Marriot, last regarded it as grave. During the few days, he was kept alive on champagne, being unable to take any other form of nourishment. He gradually weakened and the end came peacefully yesterday afternoon.

The deceased officer was a man who had distinguished himself in the service of his country. Born in May, 1855, he was thus in his 52nd year when he died. Entering the Navy in 1876, he early saw active service. He took part in the punitive expedition up the Gambia River with the Naval Brigade during the Kafir War of 1877-8, and went through the Egyptian campaign in 1882. Prior to that, he saw service in China, being in 1879 lent by the Admiralty for work under the Chinese Government. In 1885, he was engaged on the Somali coast, and from 1892 to 1896, he was employed as commander in the Naval Intelligence Department. He was appointed Captain of the Port of Gibraltar in 1898, where he was a great influence for good among the men of both services. When the port passed into naval administration, it became necessary that an officer on the active list should fill the position. Captain Barnes-Lawrence was accordingly transferred to Hong Kong, where he arrived in the early part of 1904 and took over the duties of Harbour Master. The fact that he held two decorations, medals for the Egyptian and Kafir wars, testifies to his conduct in the time of battle.

It is no straining of language to say that Captain Barnes-Lawrence was the most popular man that ever filled the post of Harbour Master. Not only was he considerate in every respect to the members of the shipping community and always ready to advance their interests consistently with a due regard to the rights of the Colony, but he was kindly disposed to all who worked under him, and the staff at the Harbour Office feel that in his passing away, they have lost a real friend. He met everyone as a man, but no one ever failed to recognise his position. Apart from his duties in the Harbour Department, he took a not inconsiderable part in the government of the Colony. He had a seat at the Legislative Council, but though he was one of those members who was not always on his feet addressing the assembly, whenever he did speak, his words were listened to, and his opinions treated with the greatest respect. Only a few weeks ago, he made an interesting speech explaining the Ordinance to amend the Merchant Shipping Ordinance. Further consideration of this measure was to have engaged the Council last Thursday, but in the absence of the Harbour Master, it was postponed.

As one would expect from his kindly nature, he, associated with Mrs. Barnes-Lawrence, took a considerable interest in local philanthropic movements. He was an active worker in St. John's Cathedral, and was identified with the missionary movement. In addition to being Harbour Master, he acted as Marine Magistrate, in which capacity he always tempered justice with mercy. He was Emigration and Customs Officer, Registrar of Gunpowder Shipping, Superintendent of Depot, Collector of Light Dues, Superintendent of Imports and Exports, and agent for the Commercial Intelligence Department of the Board of Trade.

Deep sympathy is extended to Mrs. Barnes-Lawrence and the Misses Barnes-Lawrence in their sad bereavement.

The funeral will take place this afternoon at five o'clock from the Naval Hospital.