CO129-387 - Individuals - 1911 — Page 185

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RECR Reg: 25 JAN |

Reprint from *

"THE CHINA MAIL"

OF

24th DECEMBER, 1909.

PRESENTATION OF FAREWELL ADDRESS

TO

Dr. J. C. THOMSON.

Tung Wa Hospital Directors' Appreciation.

In the presence of a large number of the leading Chinese residents in Hongkong a very interesting ceremony took place at the Tung Wa Hospital on Thursday afternoon when Dr. J. C. Thomson was presented with a farewell address, a silver tray and a silver tea and coffee service, prior to his departure from the Colony, in re- cognition of services rendered to the institution during his period of office.

The several pieces were inscribed as fol- lows:-" Presented by the Chinese Community of Hongkong to Dr. J. C. Thomson, M.A., M.D., D.T.M. and H., D.P.H., Visiting Medical Officer, Tung Wa Hospital, from 1897 to 1909."

Mr. Sin Tak Fan said:-Gentlemen,-The purpose for which we are assembled here to-day is to present a farewell address and a silver tea set to Dr. Thomson, who is about to leave us and this Colony on account of his health, a matter much to be regretted. I have just relinquished the Presidency of this Hospital, but by the courtesy of Mr. Lau Chu Pak, my worthy suc- cessor, the pleasing duty of making the pre- sentation has been accorded to me. Gentlemen, you are all aware that for the past thirteen years Dr. Thomson has been associated with this Hospital as Visiting Medical Officer. valuable services he bas rendered, are, I believe, The in- unparalleled in the history of the Tung Wa Hos- pital, and the relations he has had with the Directors have been most cordial. Dr. Thomson, it is for these services that the Chinese Community of Hongkong have in token of their gratitude thought fit to present you with this silver tea set and this farewell address, which with your per- mission I will now read.

Hongkong, December, 1909.

To J. C. Thomson, Esq., M.D.,

D.T.M. and H., D.P.H.

Sir-On the eve of your departure from the Colony, we, the Directors of the Tung Wa Hospital, and the undersigned Chinese Merchants and residents of Hongkong, desire to place on record our high appreciation of the inestimable

services rendered by you to the Hospital, and to tender you our heartfelt thanks for your loyal support and assistance in the humane work carried on by this Charitable Institution,

The exemplary maner in which you have so unreservedly devoted your time and skill to the benefit of the Hospital as Visiting Medical Officer eince 1896 will never be forgotten, while the number of persons who owe you a deep debt of gratitude for your kindness and assiduous care when they were under your treatment is very great.

The courtesy and consideration which you have continuously extended to all with whom you have come in contact, the great interest and sympathy which you have ever manifested in the suffering poor of this Colony, and the exceptional skill and tenderness that you have always displayed in the exercise of your profession, hare won our highest esteem and admiration, and in token thereof we beg you to accept the ae- companying silver tea set and this address.

We are also deeply sensible of the invaluable knowledge and experience you have acquired for the benefit of the Colony by your laborious and scientific study of the treatment and prevention of Malaria, which has been instrumental is so vastly improving the health of its residents; and the success you have achieved in this direction should be a lasting source of gratification to you, and will be written large in the history of the Colony,

Your departure will be a severe loss to the Hospital as well as to the Colony generally, in which you have deservedly occupied an eminent position, and it fills us with the keenest regret.

We desire to assure you that the memory of yourself and your self-sacrificing work in the interests of the Chinese Community will ever be cherished by us; and we wish you a speedy restoration to perfect health, and a long life to enjoy many years of peace, happiness, usefulness and distinction in your Homeland. We are, sir, yours sincerely,

[Here follow the signatures of the sub- scribers.}