Į
332
East and really help to prevent Hongkong from becoming
al together (in spite of its growth) in a state of apathy and 'laissez faire'. The official mind appears to become atrophied deadened and narrow to a degree. From the writer's observations such a condition obtains in no other Crown Colony.
It is due partly to the compactness of the Island. The same Officials work year after year in practically the same Offices meeting each other daily - sitting cheek by jowl in the same tram which takes nearly
never getting
-
all Peak residents to their daily work away from each other except when on Home leave.
What is the result? Boredom
disagreements which can never be ventilated
-
fed-upness
injustices
which are not rectified resentments carefully hidden yet fostered and tended by the fuel of bitterness, until finally the men come to feel nothing matters as there is no redress and so they make the best of a bad job. There must however be some extraordinary effect of climate on Europeans for the same people (with very few exceptions) do not wish to move elsewhere even if opportunity presents itself.
Fortunately for the Colony there have been several new Head Appointments filled by men from other Colonies and that is all to the good for they have brought new ideas and bracing principles; but the general public does feel very strongly that the state of the Officials more particularly the Cadet Service does require very serious looking into.
Is it not a mistaken policy in an Island of such unusual geographical conditions to leave officials too
long
No comments yet.
Private notes are available after approval.